Determining actuation of multi-sensor-electrode capacitive buttons

ABSTRACT

Methods for determining actuation of a capacitive button are described. In some embodiments, indicia from the at least three distinct sensor electrodes associated with at least three sensor electrode elements comprising the capacitive button are received, the indicia indicative of interaction of an input object with the at least three distinct sensor electrodes. The actuation of the capacitive button is then determined, based at least in part on satisfying a set of criteria comprising: a location condition concerning a location of the input object relative to a center of the capacitive button, and a coupling condition concerning a change in capacitive coupling of the at least three distinct sensor electrodes associated with the at least three sensor electrode elements comprising the capacitive button.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly assigned, copending U.S.application Ser. No. 12/259,182, entitled “Multiple-Sensor-ElectrodeCapacitive Button” with filing date Oct. 27, 2008 which is anon-provisional application and claims priority to the co-pendingprovisional patent application Ser. No. 61/000,784, entitled “CapacitiveButtons,” with filing date Oct. 28, 2007, and assigned to the assigneeof the present invention, which are both herein incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Capacitive sensing devices are widely used in modern electronic devices.For example, capacitive sensing devices have been employed in music andother media players, cell phones and other communications devices,remote controls, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. Thesecapacitive sensing devices are often used for touch based navigation,selection, or other functions. These functions can be in response to oneor more fingers, styli, other objects, or combination thereof providinginput in the sensing regions of respective capacitive sensing devices.

However, there exist many limitations to the current state of technologywith respect to capacitive sensing devices. As one example, limitationsare known to be associated with capacitive button sensing systems.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, methods for determining actuation of acapacitive button having at least three sensor electrode elementsassociated with at least three distinct sensor electrodes are described.In one such embodiment, indicia from the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes are received. An actuation of the capacitive button based atleast in part on satisfying a set of criteria is indicated. This set ofcriteria comprises a location condition concerning a location of theinput object relative to a center of the capacitive button. The set ofcriteria further comprises a coupling condition concerning a change incapacitive coupling of the at least three distinct sensor electrodes ofthe capacitive button.

In various other embodiments, capacitive button apparatuses aredescribed. One such apparatus includes a first capacitive button and asecond capacitive button. The first capacitive button has a first set ofsensor electrode elements configured to enable the generation of atleast three electrode values for determining actuation of the firstcapacitive button. This first set of sensor electrode elements has atleast three sensor electrode elements associated with distinct sensorelectrodes. The second capacitive button has a second set of sensorelectrode elements configured to enable the generation of at least threeelectrode values for determining actuation of the second capacitivebutton. This second set of sensor electrode elements has at least threesensor electrode elements associated with distinct sensor electrodes.

In order to improve capacitive button performance, such as by reducingfalse actuations, supporting non-button actuation input, and the like,capacitive buttons described herein use multiple sensor electrodes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology formultiple-sensor-electrode capacitive buttons and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles discussed below:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example capacitive button arrangement inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example capacitive sensing device andan enlarged view of example components within the capacitive sensingdevice in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an enlarged view of example first andsecond capacitive buttons with interdigitated sensor electrode elementsin accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of first and second capacitive buttons withan input object at a first position with respect to the capacitivebuttons in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of first and second capacitive buttons withan input object at a second position with respect to the capacitivebuttons in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of first and second capacitive buttons withan input object at a third position with respect to the capacitivebuttons in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3D is a block diagram of first and second capacitive buttons withan input object at a fourth position with respect to the capacitivebuttons in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3E is a block diagram of first and second capacitive buttons withan input object at a fifth position with respect to the capacitivebuttons in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3F is a block diagram of first and second capacitive buttons withtwo input objects concurrently in the sensing region of the capacitivebuttons in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of a circular capacitive button with three sensorelectrode elements in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of an annular capacitive button with three sensorelectrode elements surrounding an aperture in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4C is a diagram of a square-shaped capacitive button with foursensor electrode elements in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 4D is a diagram of a rectangular capacitive button with threesensor electrode elements in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 4E is a diagram of a circular capacitive button with four sensorelectrode elements in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of a capacitive button with an emitter electrodeelement surrounding sensor electrode elements in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of a capacitive button with a separate emitterelectrode element surrounded by sensor electrode elements in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5C is a diagram of a capacitive button with sensor electrodeelements capable of emitting as well as sensing signals in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of four circular capacitive buttons sharing foursensor electrodes in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of four circular capacitive buttons sharing foursensor electrodes in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example arrangement of capacitivebuttons in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a tactile feature in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method for determining actuation ofa capacitive button in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example method for indicating actuation ofa capacitive button comprising at least three sensor electrode elementsassociated with at least three distinct sensor electrodes in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example method for tuning at least onethreshold in a system comprising a capacitive button comprising at leastthree sensor electrode elements associated with at least three distinctsensor electrodes in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example method for determining a positionof an input object using a capacitive button comprising at least threesensor electrode elements associated with at least three distinct sensorelectrodes in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example method for determining a positionof an input object using a capacitive button comprising at least threesensor electrode elements associated with at least three distinct sensorelectrodes in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood asbeing drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the present technology will be described in conjunctionwith embodiments, it will be understood that the descriptions are notintended to limit the present technology to these embodiments. On thecontrary, the descriptions are intended to cover alternatives,modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spiritand scope as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description, numerous specific details are set forthin order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of thepresent technology. However, one of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that embodiments of the present technology may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detailas not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present technology.

Overview of Discussion

Embodiments in accordance with the present technology pertain tocapacitive buttons and their usage. In one embodiment in accordance withthe present technology, the capacitive sensing devices described hereinimprove distinguishing between input intended to actuate a capacitivebutton and input not intended to actuate a capacitive button. Indiciareceived from sensor electrodes associated with a capacitive button areused to determine electrode values. These electrode values are utilizedto determine the actuation status of the capacitive button. Positionalcharacteristics about one or more input objects may or may not bedetermined in support of gauging the actuation status of a capacitivebutton. The positional characteristics determined can include a myriadof diverse measurements related to the object(s) in a capacitive sensingregion of the capacitive button, as discussed further below. Possibleinput objects include fingers, styli, and other input objects capable ofconveying user input. The term “finger” is used herein to refer to anydigit on a hand, including a thumb. The term “actuation” is used hereinto refer to turning a capacitive button ON. Conversely, the term“activation” is used herein to refer to a sufficient user interactionthat has occurred with respect to a sensor electrode.

In various embodiments, a capacitive button arrangement includes aplurality of multiple-sensor-electrode capacitive buttons (“MSEcapacitive buttons”). Each MSE capacitive button is comprised ofmultiple sensor electrode elements belonging to distinct sensorelectrodes. Where it may otherwise be unclear, “MSE capacitive button”is used in this document to distinguish from capacitive buttons that donot use a multiple-sensor-electrode approach. For example, a singlecapacitive button arrangement may include capacitive buttons ofdifferent types, including any combination of capacitive buttons havingonly a single sensor electrode element, exactly two sensor electrodeelements, three sensor electrode elements, or any number of sensorelectrode elements.

A sensor electrode in a capacitive button arrangement may have one ormore sensor electrode elements. Thus, a single sensor electrode mayinclude sensor electrode elements in multiple capacitive buttons, andthus be shared among those multiple capacitive buttons. A sensorelectrode element that forms a portion of a sensor electrode isconsidered to belong to that sensor electrode, and is also considered tobe associated with that sensor electrode. A set of sensor electrodeelements including an element forming a portion of a sensor electrode isconsidered to be associated with that sensor electrode. Since the sensorelectrode elements and sensor electrodes are used for capacitancesensing, they can also be termed “sensor electrode elements” and “sensorelectrodes,” respectively.

In various embodiments, each MSE capacitive button of a capacitivebutton arrangement is comprised of a set of sensor electrode elementsassociated with a plurality of sensor electrodes. Each of the sets ofsensor electrode elements has at least three elements associated withdistinct ones of the plurality of sensor electrodes. That is, each setof sensor electrode elements includes separate elements that formportions of at least three different sensor electrodes.

During operation, the plurality of sensor electrodes provides indiciathat are received by a controller. The indicia reflect user input in thesensing region. Since user input in the sensing region affects theelectric field surrounding the sensor electrodes, the indicia can beelectric signals that change with the electric field surrounding thesensor electrodes. For example, the indicia may include voltages,currents, charges, frequencies, time constants, or any other items thatvaries with changes in the capacitive coupling to the sensor electrodes.

The controller utilizes the received indicia to generate at least threeelectrode values for each MSE capacitive button. Since one sensorelectrode may have sensor electrode elements in multiple capacitivebuttons, one electrode value may be associated with multiple capacitivebuttons. Thus, the total number of electrode values generated by thecontroller may be less than three times the number of capacitivebuttons, although that is not required. The electrode values generatedby the controller may be linearly or non-linearly related to thecapacitive coupling of the sensor electrodes (e.g. some representationof the capacitive coupling that is proportional to the change incapacitance, or that is proportional to a reciprocal of the change incapacitance). Since these electrode values are derived from indiciareceived from sensor electrodes, they can also be termed “sensorelectrode values.”

Oftentimes, the indicia and/or the electrode values is/are conditionedor filtered by the controller. The controller may do this by averaging,by subtracting baselines, by particular weighting functions determinedby the capacitive button design, and the like.

The controller utilizes the electrode values to recognize user input,such as to determine whether or not a capacitive button is actuated. Asdiscussed above, some embodiments determine positional characteristicsabout the input objects as part of the process for gauging the actuationstatus of a capacitive button while other embodiments do not. That is,embodiments of the present technology may calculate none, some, or allof the derivable positional characteristics.

Positional characteristics encompass a myriad of different informationthat may be derived about the interaction of input devices with MSEcapacitive buttons. Many of the positional characteristics representsubstantially independent spatial measurements of the user input withinthe sensing region. Some example positional characteristics representestimates of the locations of inputs along one or more dimensions, at aninstance in time or over a span of time. For example, the position of aninput may be determined with respect to a 2D plane defined by the touchpad (e.g. as X and Y, as r and ⊖, or as any other appropriate set ofcoordinates).

Other examples of positional characteristics represent estimates of theamount of capacitive coupling to an input (e.g., as Z); the amount ofcapacitive coupling changes with the distance and size of the input,signals coupled into an input object, and the like. Additional examplesof positional characteristics may include various time derivatives andintegrals of other positional characteristics (e.g. of X, Y, or Z).Further examples of positional characteristics include averages, ratios,magnitudes, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

An MSE capacitive button may support any type of user interface. Forexample, they may be used with any of the devices which can be supportedby non-MSE capacitive buttons. Examples include, and are not limited to:input devices such as keypads, keyboards, and remote controls; mediadevices such as cameras, video recorders or players, music recorders orplayers; communications or organizational devices such as personaldigital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, GPS systems; and the like.

MSE capacitive buttons may also be indicated to the user in variousways. For example, any number of shapes and sizes of indicators may beplaced between the sensor electrode elements and the user. This mayinclude primarily visual indicators such as painted lines or lightedcutouts. This may also include primarily tactile indicators such asbumps, ridges, depressions, and the like. Additionally, according tosome embodiments of the present technology, capacitive buttons are wellsuited to effecting a haptic response by providing information aboutanticipated or current button actuation directly or indirectly to acontroller of a haptic feedback system.

The following discussion will begin with a detailed description focusedon aspects of the structure in accordance with the present technology.This discussion will then be followed by a detailed description focusedon aspects of the operation in accordance with the present technology.

Example Capacitive Button Arrangement

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example capacitive sensing device 100 inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. Capacitivesensing device 100 comprises a plurality of noncontiguous MSE capacitivebuttons (two are shown, as first capacitive button 110 and secondcapacitive button 120) disposed on substrate 107 and capable of sensingobjects within capacitive sensing region 135. First capacitive button110, second capacitive button 120, and controller 105 are all showndisposed on the same substrate 107 in FIG. 1; disposing them on anynumber of separate substrates in other embodiments is possible andcontemplated. The substrates can be rigid or flexible.

Capacitive sensing region 135 is a three-dimensional region extendingfrom the capacitive buttons. Input objects in sensing region 135 mayinteract with the capacitive sensing device 100. The size and shape ofcapacitive sensing region 135 is defined by the mechanical andelectrical characteristics of the capacitive sensing device 100 (e.g.shapes and sizes of surrounding materials, layout of electrodes androuting lines), the circuitry and algorithms of controller 105, theperformance desired, and the like.

The MSE capacitive buttons of capacitive sensing device 100 arecomprised of different sets of sensor electrode elements, where each setof sensor electrode elements have at least three members that areassociated with different sensor electrodes. In FIG. 1, capacitivebuttons 110 and 120 are each comprised of a set of three sensorelectrode elements exactly: first capacitive button 110 has a first setincluding sensor electrode elements 117A-117C, and a second capacitivebutton 120 has a set including sensor electrode elements 127A-127C.

FIG. 1 shows a capacitive button arrangement in which sensor electrodesare not shared between MSE capacitive buttons. Specifically, theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 imposes a one-to-one relationship betweensensor electrode elements of the two MSE capacitive buttons and aplurality of distinct sensor electrodes. This means that the two MSEcapacitive buttons 110 and 120 do not have any sensor electrode elementsassociated with the same sensor electrode. (e.g. sensor electrodeelements 117A-117C and 127A-127C all form portions of different sensorelectrodes, and capacitive button 110 and 120 have no sensor electrodesin common.)

Although not shown in FIG. 1, one or more sensor electrodes in thecapacitive sensing device 100 may be shared. The sharing may occurbetween any combination of MSE capacitive buttons, non-MSE capacitivebuttons, other input devices, and the like. In the case where a sensorelectrode is shared between MSE capacitive buttons, a many-to-onerelationship exists between sensor electrode elements associated withthat shared sensor electrode itself. In such a configuration, multiplesensor electrode elements, each forming a part of a different MSEcapacitive button, would belong to the same sensor electrode. Thismany-to-one relationship allows a set of sensor channels to support morecapacitive buttons than possible if a one-to-one relationship isimposed. This is discussed further below.

Regardless of whether or not the sensor electrodes are shared, each MSEcapacitive button has at least three sensor electrode elements that areassociated with different sensor electrodes. Thus, interaction with acapacitive button would cause changes in at least three sensorelectrodes.

In some embodiment, some or all of the sensor electrode elements of anMSE capacitive button have a symmetric layout, and are thus disposedsymmetrically. The symmetry may include rotational symmetry, mirrorsymmetry along one or more axes, or any other applicable form ofsymmetry. In some other embodiments, some or all of the sensor electrodeelements of an MSE capacitive button have substantially equal areas. Insome further embodiments, the sensor electrode elements of an MSEcapacitive buttons all meet at a central area of their respective MSEcapacitive buttons.

In yet other embodiments of the present technology, the sensor electrodeelements of a capacitive button are disposed in such a way that thecenters of different sensor electrode elements are substantially thesame distance from a center of the capacitive button. Thus, at least twosensor electrode elements of the MSE capacitive button have centers thatare substantially equidistant from a center of the MSE capacitivebutton. One way to gauge distances from the center is to examineestimated centroid locations of the sensor electrode elements and theircapacitive button. The estimated centroid locations can be based on thearea of each sensor electrode element. For example, in many embodimentswhere the capacitive button has approximately the shape traced out byits sensor electrode elements, and where the sensor electrode elementsof the capacitive button are disposed about the center of the capacitivebutton symmetrically, a centroid of a first sensor electrode element ofthe capacitive button and a centroid of a second sensor electrodeelement of the capacitive button is substantially the same distance fromthe centroid of the capacitive button. The estimated centroid locationcan also be based on a weighted area of each sensor electrode element.For example, the areas of sensor electrode elements of an MSE capacitivebutton may be weighted by the amount of capacitive coupling that thesensor electrode elements are anticipated to have with input objects ona surface above the MSE capacitive button. In some embodiments, thecentroid calculation ignores areas of the sensor electrode elements thatare expected to experience little or no capacitive coupling changes fromusers during operation (e.g. areas having far away locations wheresignificant capacitive coupling changes due to user input are expectedto occur, areas shielded from effects of user input, and areas havingdimensions or shapes that are expected to experience little or nocapacitive coupling changes—such as narrow lines).

In further other embodiments, a combination of the above is implemented.For example, the sensor electrode elements of an MSE capacitive buttonmay have both substantially equal areas and a symmetric layout. Examplesof this are shown in FIG. 1, where all of the sensor electrode elementsof capacitive button 110 (sensor electrode elements 117A-117C) aresubstantially equal in area and symmetrically disposed about a center ofcapacitive button 110. Similarly, sensor electrode elements 127A-127C ofcapacitive button 120 are also substantially equal in area andsymmetrically disposed about a center of capacitive button 120.

Referring still to FIG. 1, sensor electrode elements 117A-117C and127A-127C are ohmically coupled to controller 105 via routing traces130. Furthermore, as noted in FIG. 1, first capacitive button 110 isnoncontiguous with second capacitive button 120. This noncontiguity maybe achieved by spacing the sets of sensor electrode elements apart. Insome embodiments, first capacitive button 110 and second capacitivebutton 120 are disposed noncontiguously with respect to each other byspacing the first set of sensor electrode elements from the second setof sensor electrode elements (e.g. 117A-117C from the set of sensorelectrode elements 127A-127C) by no less than one-half a finger width.In other embodiments, sensor electrode elements of noncontiguouscapacitive buttons may be disposed closer to each other than one-half afinger width. The exact measure of one-half finger width would dependlargely on the size of expected users. For many adult humans, one-half afinger width is about 3-8 (or even up to 10) mm for the pointer, middle,ring, or little fingers, while one-half a finger width would be about6-12 (or even up to 15) mm for thumbs. The applicable finger width mayvary depending on the orientation of the finger relative to thecapacitive buttons (e.g. a 2-D projection of the input object presentedto the capacitive button may be oval). The button spacing may vary aswell with these considerations.

Thus, although FIG. 1 shows first capacitive button 110 in relativelyclose proximity to second capacitive button 120, FIG. 1 is meant to be ablock diagram that is not strictly drawn to scale. Thus, firstcapacitive button 110 may not be in relatively close proximity to secondcapacitive button 120 in various physical implementations. For example,capacitive buttons 110 and 120 may be physically far apart, such as ondifferent sides of an electronic display. As other examples, capacitivebuttons 110 and 120 may also be spaced to make room for other user inputdevices such as mechanical switches or pointing sticks, to improveusability, to accommodate industrial design preferences, and the like.

Embodiments in accordance with the present technology are well suited tocapacitive buttons having three or more sensor electrode elements each.In many embodiments, the capacitive buttons will have no more than foursensor electrode elements. Where a capacitive button has more than threesensor electrode elements, and especially if the capacitive button hasmore than four sensor electrode elements, it may be advantageous toohmically couple some of the sensor electrode elements within the samecapacitive button together. For example, for a capacitive button havingsix sensor electrode elements, it may be advantageous to short everythree sensor electrode elements together and use them to form portionsof the same sensor electrode. Other embodiments may prefer associatingthe six sensor electrode elements with 3, 4, 5, or 6 sensor electrodes.

Similarly, embodiments in accordance with the present technology arewell suited to use with sensor electrodes that are shared or not sharedbetween capacitive buttons. It should further be noted that embodimentsin accordance with the present technology are well suited to any ofvarious sizes, shapes, layouts, configurations, or orientations ofsensor electrodes, sensor electrode elements, routing times, and thelike. In many embodiments, the sensor electrode elements of thecapacitive button are configured such that the capacitive button has asize that enables actuation by a human digit, such as a finger or a toe.

Referring to FIG. 2A, first capacitive button 110 includes sensorelectrode elements A₁, B₁, and C₁ and second capacitive button 120includes sensor electrode elements A₂, B₂ and D₂. Sensor electrode Acomprises electrode elements A₁ and A₂, which are electrically coupledwith each other. Sensor electrode B comprises sensor electrode elementsB₁ and B₂, which are electrically coupled with each other. Sensorelectrode C comprises electrode element C₁, and sensor electrode Dcomprises electrode element D₂. Thus, these six sensor electrodeelements are associated with the four sensor electrodes A, B, C, and D,all of which are electrically coupled to controller 105.

As is discussed, the present technology is well suited to MSE capacitivebuttons having sensor electrode elements of varying arrangements,shapes, and sizes. For example, FIG. 4A shows a circular MSE capacitivebutton comprising three sensor electrode elements in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. Each of the sensor electrodeelements occupies a substantially equal sector of the circularcapacitive buttons shape. This set of sensor electrode elements also hasboth rotational and mirror symmetries. Further, the sensor electrodeelements meet at a center of the capacitive button.

FIG. 4B shows a MSE capacitive button having an “aperture” 400 in thepattern of sensor electrode elements, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present technology. Although a circular capacitive button havingthree sensor electrode elements is shown in FIG. 4B, it is understoodthat apertures can be introduced in sensor patterns of a variety ofdifferent MSE capacitive button designs. The aperture 400 may be a truehole that extends through the sensor electrode pattern and anysubstrates. Or, the aperture 400 may be simply an area where no sensorelectrode element material is placed—the substrate may be solid orsomething else may be placed in aperture 400.

In FIG. 4B, a single aperture 400 is shown, positioned in a centralregion of the capacitive button, and the sensor electrode elements areplaced outside and about the aperture. However, other numbers ofapertures may be included in a capacitive button, and they may belocated in other places other than a central region of the capacitivebutton. Similar to the example of FIG. 4A, the sensor electrode elementsshown in FIG. 4B are about equal in area. The set of sensor electrodeelements has both rotational and mirror symmetries, and the sensorelectrode elements meet at a center of the capacitive button.

FIG. 4C shows a square-shaped MSE capacitive button comprising foursquare-shaped sensor electrode elements in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology. Similar to the example of FIG. 4A, each ofthe sensor electrode elements are about equal in area, the set of sensorelectrode elements has both rotational and mirror symmetries, and thesensor electrode elements meet at a center of the capacitive button.While square-shaped sensor electrode elements are shown in FIG. 4C,rectangles of other aspect ratios are possible. For example, otheraspect ratios may be more useful depending on the input object size andorientation, on spacing between any capacitive buttons, and the like.

FIG. 4D shows another rectangular MSE capacitive button. However, thisone has three sensor electrode elements in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology. These three sensor electrode elements are ofunequal shapes, but still have substantially equal areas. The set ofsensor electrode elements also has mirror symmetry, and the sensorelectrode elements meet at a center of the capacitive button.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D are examples of capacitivebuttons with rectilinear portions, where each button has sensorelectrode elements with angular sections. In addition to rectangles,other such capacitive buttons with rectilinear portions and angularsensor electrode elements are possible. For example, the capacitivebutton may have a “T” or “+” shape.

FIG. 4E shows a circular MSE capacitive button comprising four sensorelectrode elements in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. Like the example shown in FIG. 4A, each of the sensorelectrode elements occupies an approximately equally-sized sector of acircle. The set of sensor electrode elements also has both rotationaland mirror symmetries, and the sensor electrode elements meet at acenter of the capacitive button.

FIG. 4A-4E all show sets of sensor electrode elements where all sensorelectrode elements in a set have substantially equal areas. However,some embodiments may have sets where only some or none of the sensorelectrode elements are similar in area. Similarly, FIG. 4A-4E all showsets of sensor electrode elements that have some type of symmetry andall meet at a center of the capacitive button and other commoncharacteristics. However, other embodiments may not have suchcharacteristics.

Continuing with FIG. 2A, a block diagram is shown of an examplecapacitive sensing device 100 with a controller coupled withnoncontiguous capacitive buttons in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. The first capacitive button, typically shown as 205,is disposed on substrate 107. First capacitive button 205 is coupledwith controller 105 via routing traces typically shown as 130. Firstcapacitive button 205 is comprised of three sensor electrode elementsA₁, B₁, and C₁. Dielectric material such as plastic (not shown) usuallycovers any conductive material (e.g. material comprising the sensorelectrode elements and routing traces) that would otherwise be exposedto an assembler or user. In various embodiments, this protects thesensor electrode elements from the environment, prevents electricalshorts between an input object and the conductive material, and/orcontrols the capacitive coupling experienced by the sensor electrodes.

Similarly, a second capacitive button, typically shown as 210, is alsodisposed on substrate 107 and coupled with controller 105 via routingtraces typically shown as 130. Second capacitive button 210 is comprisedof three sensor electrode elements A₂, B₂, and D₂. Of note and asdescribed herein, sensor electrode elements A₁ and A₂ are ohmicallycoupled with each other by both being routed to one sensing channel ofcontroller 105 (a first sensing channel). Thus, sensor electrodeelements A₁ and A₂ are sensor electrode elements of the first and secondcapacitive buttons 205 and 210, respectively, and are associated with asame sensor electrode A. Specifically, each of the sensor electrodeelements A₁ and A₂ forms a portion of sensor electrode A, and sensorelectrode A is shared by the first and second capacitive buttons 205 and210. Similarly, sensor electrode elements B₁ and B₂ form one sensorelectrode B and are routed to one sensing channel of controller 105 (asecond sensing channel). Thus, electrode elements B₁ and B₂ are sensorelectrode elements of the first and second capacitive buttons, 205 and210, respectively, and are associated with the same sensor electrode B,and sensor electrode B is shared by the first and second capacitivebuttons 205 and 210. Also of note is that sensor electrode elements C1and D2 are not routed to any other sensor electrode elements. Thus,sensor electrode C is part of the first capacitive button 205 only, andsensor electrode D is part of the second capacitive button 210 only.Embodiments in accordance with the present technology are well suited touse with various numbers of shared sensor electrodes. In thoseembodiments where capacitive buttons have shared electrodes, thecapacitive buttons are constructed to have at least one sensor electrodenot in common (i.e. the combinations of sensor electrodes associatedwith the capacitive buttons differ).

In the upper portion of FIG. 2A, first capacitive button 205, secondcapacitive button 210, and portions of routing traces 130 are showndisposed within an upper dotted box T. As discussed below in detail, forpurposes of clarity, FIG. 2A also includes an enlarged view of thefeatures disposed within a lower dotted box T.

Controller 105 includes or is coupled with activation identificationmechanism 220. Controller 105 may also include or be coupled withpositional characteristics analyzing unit 218, if positionalcharacteristics are determined as part of the button actuation analysisprocess. The functional operation of positional characteristicsanalyzing unit 218 and activation identification mechanism 220 arediscussed below in detail.

FIG. 2A also shows a disambiguating electrode 215 as a dotted box.Disambiguating electrode 215 is disposed proximate to the set of sensorelectrode elements of the first capacitive button 205. Disambiguatingelectrode 215 is configured to help distinguish user input intended toactuate the first capacitive button 205 from user input not intended toactuate the first capacitive button 205.

In many embodiments, disambiguating electrode 215 generates indiciareflecting changes in capacitive coupling experienced by thedisambiguating electrode 215. Controller 105 processes the indicia fromdisambiguating electrode 215 to produce electrode values correlated tothe disambiguating electrode 215. Controller 105 examines thesedisambiguating electrode values to better distinguish between inputintended to cause button actuation and input not intended to causebutton actuation.

For example, the disambiguating electrode values may help controller 105differentiate between input provided by multiple smaller objects in thesensing region and input provided by a single, larger object in thesensing region. In many embodiments, input provided by multiple, smallerobjects may be more likely to provide valid button input (e.g. it may becaused by finger presses), and input provided by a single, large objectmay be less likely to provide valid button input (e.g. it may be causedby palms of hands or cheeks of faces). Thus, in some embodiments,controller 105 is configured to suppress button actuations when a largeobject is determined to be interacting with the capacitive buttonarrangement. In some other embodiments, controller 105 is configured toinhibit (e.g. reject, suppress, or ignore) user inputs or indicia thatwould otherwise cause button actuations in response to disambiguatingelectrode values that indicate high enough probabilities that the userinputs are not meant to result in button actuations.

Although FIG. 2A shows disambiguating electrode 215 as a single, largeelectrode surrounding both first and second capacitive buttons 205 and210, it is understood that other embodiments may not implement anydisambiguating electrodes. In addition, other embodiments may implementany number of disambiguating electrodes with any shape, size, andconfiguration applicable to the capacitive sensing device design. Forexample, a disambiguating electrode may be implemented as a conductivetrace or pattern located between sets of sensor electrode elements oftwo different capacitive buttons.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block diagram of example noncontiguous firstand second capacitive buttons with interdigitated sensor electrodeelements, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology isshown. In various embodiments, the first capacitive button 205 has afirst set of sensor electrode elements. The first set of sensorelectrode elements includes at least three sensor electrode elementsassociated with distinct sensor electrodes, and at least two sensorelectrode elements of that first set are physically interdigitated witheach other. That is, portions of at least two sensor electrode elements“poke into” each other. In the case shown in FIG. 2B, first capacitivebutton 205 comprises a set of three sensor electrode elements, A₁, B₁,and C₁, all of which are interdigitated with each other, thorn-shapedfeatures (feature 230 is labeled for sensor electrode element A₁) ofeach sensor electrode element, A₁, B₁, and C₁, extend into athorn-shaped space in an adjacent electrode element, B₁, C₁, and A₁. Ofnote, embodiments of the present technology are well suited forinterdigitation in any number of shapes and forms, and numbers andshapes other than single thorns are contemplated.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show arrangements useful in some embodiments using“transcapacitive” sensing schemes. “Absolute” capacitive sensing schemesfocus on changes in the amount of capacitive coupling between objectsexternal to the sensing devices and sensor electrodes of the sensingdevice. In contrast, “transcapacitive” sensing schemes focus on changesin the amount of capacitive coupling between electrodes of the sensingdevice. Some transcapacitive embodiments of capacitive buttons, eachhaving at least three sensor electrode elements, utilize separateemitter and receiver sensor electrode elements. The emitter sensorelectrode elements are parts of emitter sensor electrodes, which aresensor electrodes capable of emitting electrical signals. The receiversensor electrode elements are part of receiver sensor electrodes, whichare sensor electrodes capable of receiving electrical signals fromemitter sensor electrodes. Some transcapacitive embodiments ofcapacitive buttons, each having at least three sensor electrodeelements, utilize sensor electrode elements of sensor electrodes capableof both emitting and receiving electrical signals. In many embodimentsusing either absolute or transcapacitive sensing, the objects externalto the sensing devices are coupled to the chassis grounds of the sensingdevices.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a diagram of a capacitive button with aseparate emitter sensor electrode element 500 surrounding receiversensor electrode elements 505, 510, and 515 is shown in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. The emitter sensor electrodeelement 500 is associated with an emitter sensor electrode. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 5A, there is one emitter sensor electrodeelement 500 per capacitive button, although multiple emitter sensorelectrode elements may be included per capacitive button. Thus, intranscapacitive sensing schemes such as those described in conjunctionwith FIG. 5A, the capacitive button arrangement includes at least oneemitter sensor electrode element that is capacitively coupled with theset of receiver sensor electrode elements of the capacitive button. Theemitter sensor electrode element is configured to emit electricalsignals to be received by the set of receiver sensor electrode elements.

Emitter sensor electrode element 500 may surround the receiver sensorelectrode elements 505, 510, and 515 that receive signals emitted by theemitter sensor electrode element 500, as shown in FIG. 5A. However, inother embodiments and as shown in FIG. 5B, the emitter sensor electrodeelement may be in an internal portion, such as a central portion, of thecapacitive button. The internally located emitter sensor electrodeelement is surrounded by the receiver sensor electrode elementsconfigured to receive signals emitted by the emitter sensor electrode.

It is understood that if additional MSE capacitive buttons areintroduced to the arrangement shown in FIG. 5A, the emitter sensorelectrode including emitter sensor electrode element 500 may or may notbe shared between the capacitive buttons. That is, each capacitivebutton may have its own emitter sensor electrode element, or multiplecapacitive buttons may share the same emitter sensor electrode (or eventhe same emitter sensor electrode element, if the element is properlyshaped and placed). Similarly, receiver sensor electrodes may be sharedor not shared between any MSE capacitive buttons added to theconfiguration shown in FIG. 5A.

It is also understood that the configuration shown in FIG. 5A can bedriven in other ways. For example, in some embodiments, the element 500is a receiver sensor electrode element, while the elements 505, 510, and515 are independent emitter sensor electrode elements.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, a diagram of a capacitive button with aseparate emitter sensor electrode element 520 surrounded by receiversensor electrode elements 525, 530, and 535 in accordance withembodiments of the present technology is shown. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 5B, emitter sensor electrode element 520 may be in a centralportion of the capacitive button, surrounded by the receiver sensorelectrode elements 525, 530, and 535, and configured to receive signalsemitted by emitter sensor electrode element 520.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, a diagram of a capacitive button with threesensor electrode elements 540, 545, and 550, at least one of which iscapable of emitting as well as sensing signals in accordance withembodiments of the present technology, is shown. The sensor electrodeelements 540, 545, and 550 are associated with distinct sensorelectrodes A, B, and C, respectively. At least one of the distinctsensor electrodes (e.g. A, B, and/or C) associated with the sensorelectrode elements 540, 545, and 550 of the capacitive button is capableof both emitting and receiving electrical signals. In such a case, thesensor electrode elements 540, 545, and 550, may be interdigitated witheach other as shown in FIG. 5C, interdigitated in some other manner(e.g. 2B), or not be interleaved at all (e.g. have shapes similar towhat are shown in the other figures).

In one embodiment of the example shown in FIG. 5C, the following processoccurs during operation. At a first time, sensor electrode A emitssignals while sensor electrodes B and C receive. Then, at a second time,sensor electrode B emits signals while at least sensor electrode Creceives. This approach provides interaction information between sensorelectrodes A-B, A-C, and B-C, which provides three independentcapacitive measurements based on the three sensor electrodes A-C havingsensor electrode elements in the capacitive button.

It can be seen that multiple other ways of implementing transcapacitivesensing using the configuration shown in FIG. 5C are possible. Forexample, adding to the process described above, sensor electrode A canalso receive during the second time when sensor electrode B emits.Alternatively, also adding to the process described above, there can bea third time during which sensor electrode C emits while sensorelectrodes A and B receive. As a separate example, sensor electrodes Aand B can emit different signals while sensor electrode C receivesduring a first time, then sensor electrode A can emit while at leastsensor electrode B receives.

It is understood that if additional MSE capacitive buttons areintroduced to the arrangement shown in FIG. 5C, the sensor electrodesmay or may not be shared or not shared between capacitive buttons.Emitter sensor electrodes are also termed “drivers,” “driverelectrodes,” “driver sensor electrodes,” “emitters,” “emitterelectrodes,” and the like. Receiver electrodes are also termed“detectors,” “detector electrodes,” “detector sensor electrodes,”“receivers,” “receiver electrodes,” and the like.

Accidental button actuation is often a bigger issue in embodimentssharing sensor electrodes between capacitive buttons than in embodimentsnot sharing sensor electrodes between capacitive buttons. This isbecause, when sensor electrodes are shared between capacitive buttons,inputs that interact with different sensor electrode elements ofdifferent capacitive buttons may produce results that mimic inputs thatproperly actuate another capacitive button. As a more specific example,a capacitive button arrangement with shared sensor electrodes mayinclude a first capacitive button having three sensor electrode elementsbelonging to of sensor electrodes A-B-C, a second capacitive buttonhaving three sensor electrode elements belonging to sensor electrodesB-C-D, and a third capacitive button having three sensor electrodeelements belonging to sensor electrodes A-C-D. An input that interactswith sensor electrode elements B and C of the second capacitive buttonand sensor electrode element A of the third capacitive button may mimican input that properly interacts with sensor electrode elements A, B,and C of the first capacitive button. This may result in an unintendedactuation of the first capacitive button.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a diagram of four capacitive buttons, 600, 605,610, and 615 sharing four sensor electrodes in accordance withembodiments of the present technology is shown. The capacitive buttonarrangement shown in FIG. 6A disposes buttons 600, 605, 610, and 615 ina straight line. Other embodiments may involve layouts with more orfewer capacitive buttons in linear or nonlinear arrangements. Forexample, various embodiments may include radically different numbers ofcapacitive buttons laid out in substantially different patterns.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, each of the capacitive buttonscomprises a set of at least three sensor electrode elements. Theorientation of the different capacitive buttons and the layout of thedifferent sensor electrode elements associated with the same sensorelectrodes in those capacitive buttons are selected such that the sensorelectrode elements are positioned to correspond with each other in a waythat places them closer together. This design can help reduce accidentalbutton actuation, especially when sensor electrodes are shared betweencapacitive buttons. For example, an input that interacts with all of onecapacitive button and accidentally interacts with a small part of anadjacent capacitive button may trigger fewer accidental actuations. Thismay be especially helpful in cases where capacitive buttons are placedless than half an input object width apart (e.g. less than half a fingerwidth apart).

In some embodiments, a first capacitive button has a first set of sensorelectrode elements and a second capacitive button has a second set ofsensor electrode elements. A sensor electrode element of the first setis associated with the same sensor electrode as a sensor electrodeelement of the second set. The sensor electrode element of the first setis disposed to be physically closer to the sensor electrode element ofthe second set than any other sensor electrode element of the secondset. Depending on the embodiment, the distance used to compare closenesscan be the shortest distance from closest parts of sensor electrodeelements, from centers of the sensor electrode elements, or the like.For some capacitive button designs, the resulting arrangement can betermed to have sensor electrode elements of shared sensor electrodes“face” each other in adjacent capacitive buttons.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, first capacitive button 600 andsecond capacitive button 605 each has three sensor electrode elements,and first capacitive button 600 and second capacitive button 605 have atleast one shared sensor electrode in common. Specifically, sensorelectrode A has sensor electrode elements in the first and secondcapacitive buttons 600 and 605 (sensor electrode elements A₁ in thefirst capacitive button 600 and sensor electrode elements A₂ in thesecond capacitive button 605). The A₁ sensor electrode element isarranged to be physically closer to the A₂ sensor electrode element thanto any of the other sensor electrode elements of the second capacitivebutton 605. As further examples, similar placements can be seen for theD₃ and D₄ sensor electrode elements of third capacitive button 610 andfourth capacitive button 615. It is understood that sensor electrodeelements of shared sensor electrodes need not be arranged in such a waybetween adjacent capacitive buttons.

Also shown in FIG. 6A is how sensor electrode elements of a sharedsensor electrode may be disposed on a same side of the capacitive buttonarrangement. In some embodiments, a first capacitive button has a firstset of sensor electrode elements and a second capacitive button has asecond set of sensor electrode elements. A first sensor electrodeelement of the first set is associated with the same sensor electrode asa second sensor electrode element of the second set. The first sensorelectrode element and the second sensor electrode element are disposedon a same side of the capacitive button arrangement. This design canhelp reduce accidental button actuations, especially when sensorelectrodes are shared between capacitive buttons. For example, if inputis presented from that same side where the first and second sensorelectrode elements are disposed, and interacts with multiple capacitivebuttons, fewer accidental button actuations may result.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, first capacitive button 600, secondcapacitive button 605, and third capacitive button 610 each has threesensor electrode elements, and all three capacitive buttons 600, 605,and 610 share sensor electrode B (sensor electrode element B₁ in thefirst capacitive button 600, sensor electrode element B₂ in the secondcapacitive button 605, and sensor electrode element B₃ in the thirdcapacitive button 610). The sensor electrode elements B₁ and B₂ arearranged to both be on the same side of the arrangement (the “top” sideof FIG. 6A as shown). Similarly, sensor electrode elements B₂ and B₃ arearranged to both be on the same side of the arrangement, as are sensorelectrode elements B₁ and B₃. In fact, all three sensor electrodeelements B₁, B₂, and B₃ are arranged to be on the same side. As afurther example, similar placements can be seen for the C₂, C₃ and C₄sensor electrode elements of second capacitive button 605, thirdcapacitive button 610, and fourth capacitive button 615 (on a “bottom”side of FIG. 6A as shown). It is understood that sensor electrodeelements of shared sensor electrodes need not be arranged in such a way.

Referring to FIG. 6B, a diagram of four other capacitive buttons 650,655, 660, and 665 sharing four sensor electrodes in accordance withembodiments of the present technology is shown. Each of the capacitivebuttons 650, 655, 660, and 665 comprises a set of at least three sensorelectrode elements. Sensor electrode elements associated with the samesensor electrode are positioned to correspond with each other in a waythat places them farther apart. This design can help reduce accidentalbutton actuation, especially when sensor electrodes are shared betweencapacitive buttons. For example, an input that simultaneously interactswith large parts of multiple capacitive buttons may trigger feweraccidental actuations. This may be especially helpful in cases wherecapacitive buttons are placed more than half an input object width apart(e.g. more than half a finger width apart).

In many such embodiments where multiple capacitive buttons sharemultiple sensor electrodes, the minimum separation distance betweensensor electrode elements of shared sensor electrodes are substantiallymaximized.

In some embodiments, a first capacitive button has a first set of sensorelectrode elements and a second capacitive button has a second set ofsensor electrode elements. A first sensor electrode element of the firstset is associated with the same sensor electrode as a second sensorelectrode element of the second set. The first sensor electrode elementis disposed to be physically farther away from the second sensorelectrode element than any other sensor electrode element of the secondset of sensor electrode elements.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, the capacitive buttons 650, 655,660, 665 each has three sensor electrode elements associated with sensorelectrodes chosen from a plurality of four sensor electrodes A-D. As canbe seen in FIG. 6B, the sensor electrode elements of the same sensorelectrode are placed as far apart from each other as reasonable. Forexample, sensor electrode element C₁ of first capacitive button 650 isfarther apart from sensor electrode element C₂ of second capacitivebutton 655 than the other sensor electrode elements A₂ and B₂ of secondcapacitive button 655.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example arrangement of capacitivebuttons in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 7illustrates embodiments where neighboring capacitive buttons aredesigned not to share any sensor electrodes (have no sensor electrodesin common). This is accomplished by arranging the capacitive buttons andtheir associated sets of sensor electrode elements such that a first andsecond capacitive button having shared sensor electrodes are separatedby a third capacitive button having no sensor electrodes in common withthe first and second capacitive buttons.

Said in another way, FIG. 7 illustrates embodiments where a capacitivesensing device has a first capacitive button having a first set ofsensor electrode elements and a second capacitive button having a secondset of sensor electrode elements. The first and second capacitivebuttons share at least one sensor electrode, such that a first sensorelectrode element of the first set and a second sensor element of thesecond set are associated with a same sensor electrode. The capacitivesensing device further includes a third capacitive button with a thirdset of sensor electrode elements disposed between the first set ofsensor electrode elements and the second set of sensor electrodeelements. The third set of sensor electrode elements has at least threesensor electrode elements associated with distinct sensor electrodes,where no sensor electrode element of the third set of sensor electrodeelements belongs to the same sensor electrode as any sensor electrodeelement of the first or second sets of sensor electrode elements.

Rectangular capacitive buttons are shown in FIG. 7, with each capacitivebutton having a set of sensor electrode elements. Two groups ofcapacitive buttons (group m and group n) are shown in FIG. 7, andinclude non-overlapping pluralities of sensor electrodes (sensorelectrodes A-D and sensor electrodes E-H). As shown in FIG. 7,capacitive buttons in group m (capacitive buttons 700, 710, 725, and735) share sensor electrodes A-D, and capacitive buttons in group n(capacitive buttons 705, 715, 720, and 730) share sensor electrodes E-H.

As shown in FIG. 7, the capacitive buttons are arranged such thatcapacitive buttons in group m (capacitive buttons 700, 710, 725, and735) are separated by capacitive buttons outside of group m.Specifically, they are interspersed with capacitive buttons in group n(capacitive buttons 705, 715, 720, and 730). Thus, in this arrangement,neighboring capacitive buttons do not share any sensor electrodes. Thisapproach may be helpful in avoiding unintentional button actuations. Forexample, a particular large input object that simultaneously interactswith multiple neighboring capacitive buttons would be less likely totrigger a valid combination of sensor electrode responses. As a specificexample, no capacitive button shown in FIG. 7 uses the sensor electrodecombination of B-A-H. An input object located between capacitive buttons700 and 705 may trigger such a response, but would not accidentallyactuate another button.

In many embodiments with where multiple capacitive buttons sharemultiple sensor electrodes, some capacitive buttons are placed close toeach other while other capacitive buttons are placed far apart. In suchcases, the approaches illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 can be combinedas appropriate. For example, the orientation and/or positioning of thesensor electrode elements of some capacitive button combinations (e.g.those close to each other) can be selected to optimize for the approachshown in FIG. 6A, while the orientation and/or positioning of sensorelectrode elements of other capacitive button combinations (e.g. thosefar apart from each other) can be selected to optimize the approachshown in FIG. 6B. As another example, different groups of capacitivebuttons (the groups sharing non-overlapping pluralities of sensorelectrodes) can be placed to increase or decrease the distance betweensensor electrode elements of the same sensor electrode, as appropriate.For example, the orientation and positioning of the sensor electrodeelements shown in FIG. 7 are selected for a separation distance betweenthe upper and lower rows of capacitive buttons that is large compared tothe typical width of expected input objects, and for a separationdistance between same-group-buttons in the same row is greater than thetypical width of expected input objects.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a tactile feature configured toprovide tactile feedback for a capacitive button in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. Specifically, FIG. 8 showstactile feature 805 disposed proximate to a capacitive button (notshown) located in structure 810. Tactile feature 805 can be used toprovide tactile feedback to input object 800 (a finger is shown) to helpa user in locating the capacitive button in structure 810, or to helpinform a user of button actuation as the input object 800 interacts withthe capacitive button located in structure 810. In particular, thetactile feedback may be used to help the user locate the input object800 laterally.

Although a single protrusion is shown in FIG. 8, it is understood thatany combination of protrusions, ridges, depressions, textures, otherelements, and the like can be used to provide tactile feedback feature805. Further, embodiments may position tactile features around or aboutcentral regions of capacitive buttons, or elsewhere in relation to thecapacitive buttons.

Operation

As discussed above, in embodiments in accordance with the presenttechnology, a capacitive button comprising a set of at least threesensor electrode elements associated with distinct sensor electrodes,offer improved button performance. Indicia received from sensorelectrodes associated with a capacitive button are used to determineelectrode values. These electrode values are utilized to determine theactuation status of the capacitive button. Positional characteristicsabout one or more input objects may be determined while gauging theactuation status of a capacitive button. Thus, determining the actuationstatus of the capacitive button may involve determining one or morepositional characteristics of one or more input objects, anddistinguishing between input intended for button actuation from otherinput not intended for button actuation (e.g. swiping gestures, inputthat interacts with multiple capacitive buttons simultaneous, and thelike).

In some embodiments, a capacitive button may be tuned to actuate if aninput object makes physical contact with a surface correlated with thecapacitance button, and not if the input object is not in contact withthe surface. However, physical contact is not inherently required forinteraction with a capacitive button. An input object in a sensingregion of the capacitive button, and hovering over a surface correlatedto the capacitive button, may interact with it. Enough changes incapacitive coupling may result from such hovering input object forbutton actuation to occur. Thus, in other embodiments of the presenttechnology, a capacitive button may be tuned to actuate in some caseswhen the input object is not in contact with any surfaces correlatedwith the capacitive button.

As will be described in detail below, FIGS. 3A-3E show representationsof an input object interacting with capacitive buttons. Specifically,FIGS. 3A-3E show input object 300 (shown as a finger) located in variouslocations in the capacitive sensing region of first and secondcapacitive buttons 205 and 210, respectively. The specific discussionsregarding FIGS. 3A-3E refers to using an absolute capacitance sensingscheme. However, it is understood that similar results can be achievedusing other sensing schemes, including transcapacitive sensing schemes.

Although not shown in FIG. 3A, coupled with the first and secondcapacitive buttons 205 and 210 is a controller, such as the controller105 of FIG. 2A. As previously noted, controller 105 can be couple withor include activation identification mechanism 220 of FIG. 2A forinterpreting electrode values to determine button actuation.

Activation identification mechanism 220 is used to determine activationstatus of sensor electrodes, and may be implemented as circuitry, assoftware, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a sensorelectrode is considered to be active if its associated electrode valueis greater than or equal to an activation threshold value, and inactiveif its associated electrode value is less than the activation thresholdvalue. Different sensor electrodes may have the same or differentactivation threshold values.

In some embodiments, activation identification mechanism 220 may imposerequirements such as particular trends of sensor electrode values overtime to switch the determined state of a sensor electrode. For example,activation identification mechanism 220 may determine that a previouslyinactive sensor electrode is active if its associated electrode valuescrossed its activation threshold value in a particular way over time(e.g. increasing over time from below to above the applicable thresholdvalue, or vice versa).

Further, some embodiments may impose “deactivation” threshold valuesthat differ from activation threshold values on sensor electrodesconsidered to be in active states. Using differing activation anddeactivation threshold values introduces hysteresis that may help“debounce” activation determinations. In other words, having hysteresishelps prevent “fluttering” of activation status for electrode valuesthat are close to a threshold, such that determinations of status wouldnot quickly swap between activated and inactivated states.

Similarly to activation threshold values, distinct sensor electrodes mayhave the same or different deactivation threshold values. The activationidentification mechanism 220 may similarly impose requirements forrecognizing no activation such as particular trends of sensor electrodevalues over time. For example, activation identification mechanism 220may determine that a sensor electrode is inactive if its associatedelectrode values crossed the applicable activation threshold value in aparticular way over time (e.g. decreasing over time from above to belowthe applicable threshold value, or vice versa). The required activationtrends and the required deactivation trends can differ (e.g. differ indirection, magnitude, etc.).

In some embodiments, activation statuses of sensor electrodes havelittle or no effect on processing. For example, all of the sensorelectrodes may always be producing indicia at a set frequency,processing may always be occurring at a constant rate, or the like. Incontrast, in some embodiments, activation status is used to controlprocessing such as sampling rate of indicia from the sensor electrodes,generation of electrode values, calculation of positionalcharacteristics, determination of button actuations, and the like. Thisapproach can be used to save power by reducing the amount of sampling orprocessing activity when there is no user input to the capacitivebuttons.

In some embodiments, at least some of the sensor electrodes are not usedto produce indicia, or at least some of the electrode values that can becalculated are not, until after the activation identification mechanism220 provides one or more indications that trigger such production. Forexample, the trigger can include that at least one of the sensorelectrodes is activated, that at least some number of sensor electrodesare activated, that a select group of sensor electrodes are activated,that at least some number of a select group of sensor electrodes areactivated, and the like.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the rate at which sensor electrodes areused to produce indicia is slower until the activation identificationmechanism 220 provides one or more indications that trigger a higherrate. Some other embodiments may use indications from the activationidentification mechanism 220 to affect the rate at which electrodevalues are generated, which sensor electrodes the electrode values aregenerated, which buttons actuation status is determined for (if any),and the like.

In a simple embodiment, a capacitive button is determined to be actuatedwhen all of the sensor electrodes correlated with the capacitive buttonare active.

Controller 105 can further couple with or include positionalcharacteristics analyzing unit 218 for determining button actuation. Insome embodiments, positional characteristics analyzing unit 218 isconfigured to determine one or more positional characteristics of one ormore input objects with respect to a capacitive button system. Thesepositional characteristics are then evaluated against various criteriafor gauging button actuation.

Some embodiments include disambiguating electrodes such asdisambiguating electrode 215 (shown in FIG. 2A). In such embodiments,the controllers (e.g. controller 105 of FIG. 2A) may also process theindicia from disambiguating electrodes to produce disambiguatingelectrode values. The controllers may then use the disambiguatingelectrode values in effecting button actuation. For example, thecontrollers may reject or suppress potential button actuations if thedisambiguating electrode values indicate something else aside from whatappears to be a valid button press (e.g. the presence of a relativelylarge object such as a palm of a hand, a face, or other non-button inputbody part).

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a block diagram of first and second capacitivebuttons 205 and 210, respectively, is shown in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. First capacitive button 205comprises sensor electrode elements A₁, B₁ and C₁ of sensor electrodesA, B, and C. Second capacitive button 210 comprises sensor electrodeelements A₂, B₂, and D₂ of sensor electrodes A, B, and D. Input object300 (a finger is shown), is located at first position 305 over a smallportion of the right side of second capacitive button 210.

In such a case, the sensor electrodes A-D of the first and secondcapacitive buttons 205 and 210 would provide indicia that are receivedby a controller such as controller 105 of FIG. 2A. As appropriate,controller 105 utilizes indicia received from sensor electrodes A-D togenerate electrode values, where at least three electrode values areassociated with each capacitive button (e.g. capacitive buttons 205 and210). As shown in FIG. 3A, first capacitive button 205 and secondcapacitive button 210 share sensor electrodes, thus electrode values aregenerated only for four sensor electrodes A-D even though there are sixsensor electrode elements. Some of the same electrode values arecorrelated with both capacitive buttons 205 and 210. The generatedelectrode values are then utilized to determine button actuation status.This may involve using the electrode values to determine positionalcharacteristics of the input object 300 in relation to first and secondcapacitive buttons 205 and 210, respectively

Referring again to FIG. 3A, the input object 300 is located at firstposition 305, above and “vertically” close to and directly above asliver of sensor electrode element A₂ of second capacitive button 210.In the discussion below, “vertical” is used to describe the dimensioninto and out of the figure as drawn, while “lateral” is used to describethe two dimensions that define planes parallel to the figure as drawn.

The indicia provided by sensor electrodes A-D are reflective of theeffect of input object 300 on the amount of capacitive coupling sensedby sensor electrodes A-D. Thus, the indicia provided by sensorelectrodes A-D would result in electrode values reflective of the inputobject 300 being close to and directly above a small portion of sensorelectrode element A₂ of second capacitive button 210. In mostembodiments, the indicia would reflect changes in capacitive couplingwith sensor electrode element A₂ due to the overlapping input object300, and perhaps smaller changes in capacitive coupling with sensorelectrode element D₂ due to fringe capacitance. Controller 105 wouldprocess the received indicia and arrive at electrode values thatdescribe no input object overlapping with a small part of sensorelectrode A, close to sensor electrode D, and not close to sensorelectrodes B and C. In some embodiments, with such a set of electrodevalues, controller 105 would determine that the input object issomewhere near the right side of the second capacitive button 210, sincethat is the location where a single input object would be able totrigger such a set of electrode values. In some embodiments, secondcapacitive button 210 would not be determined to be actuated in such acase.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the electrode values generatedfor what is shown in FIG. 3A would likely indicate that no activationthresholds have been satisfied. This result may affect the sampling orthe processing of data by the capacitive sensing device. For example, insome embodiments, this may stop processing of input or sampling at aslower rate. As another example, in other embodiments, the electrodevalues generated for what is shown in FIG. 3A may indicate interactionsufficient to trigger further processing of input or to begin samplingat a higher rate.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, a block diagram of capacitive buttons is shownin accordance with embodiments of the present technology. First andsecond capacitive buttons 205 and 210 are shown with input object 300 ata second position 310 over the entire set of sensor electrode elementsA₂, B₂, and D₂ of second capacitive button 210. Sensor electrodeelements A₂, B₂, and D₂ are parts of sensor electrodes A, B, and D,respectively. The sensor electrodes A-D provide indicia relating toinput object 300 at second position 310, which reflects input object 300interacting with sensor electrodes A, B, and D. Controller 105 utilizesthe indicia from sensor electrodes A-D to generate the electrode valuesusable for gauging button actuation.

In many embodiments, activation identification mechanism 220 wouldindicate that activation threshold values for the sensor electrodes A,B, and D have been exceeded in a case as shown in FIG. 3B. Since A-B-Dis a valid capacitive button combination (that of second capacitivebutton 210), a simple implementation may determine that secondcapacitive button 210 is actuated based only on these values.

More complex implementations may examine one or more positionalcharacteristics determined by a positional characteristics analyzingunit 218 to determine button actuation. These more compleximplementations would determine and evaluate if select positionalcharacteristics meet particular criteria required for actuating secondcapacitive button 210. For example, some embodiments may poserequirements on the prior location(s) of the input object 300. In someembodiments, if input object 300 moved in toward the button laterally(e.g. from position 305) before reaching second position 310, thencontroller 105 may not recognize a button actuation. However, if inputobject 300 arrived in vertically to position 310 without much lateralmovement, the controller 105 may recognize a button actuation.

Continuing now with FIG. 3C, a block diagram of capacitive buttons isshown in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Firstand second capacitive buttons 205 and 210, respectively, are shown withinput object 300 at a third position 315 over a left portion of sensorelectrode elements A₂, B₂, and D₂ of second capacitive button 210.Specifically, input object 300 of FIG. 3C is disposed close to andcovers portions of sensor electrode elements B₂, and D₂ of sensorelectrodes B and D. The indicia provided by sensor electrodes A-Dprovide reflect input object 300 at third position 315, which reflectsinput object 300 interacting mostly with sensor electrodes B and D.

Third position 315 places the input object 300 a bit off-center oversensor electrode element B₂ of second capacitive button 210. This meansthat the resulting indicia and electrode values would reflect arelatively larger amount of user interaction with sensor electrode B anda relatively lesser amount of user interaction with sensor electrode D.In some embodiments, sensor electrode A results may also be slightlyaffected due to fringing effects (although such effects are likely to beminimal) and sensor electrode C results are not significantly affected.

In many embodiments, actuation identification mechanism 220 wouldindicate that sensor electrodes B and perhaps D are activated, andsecond capacitive button 210 would not be determined to be actuated.Controller 105 may determine no button actuation independent of priorinteraction by input object 300 with first and second capacitive buttons205 and 210 (e.g. independent of how input object 300 reached thirdposition 315).

Continuing now with FIG. 3D, a block diagram of capacitive buttons isshown in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Firstand second capacitive buttons 205 and 210, respectively, are shown withinput object 300 at a fourth position 320 between first and secondcapacitive buttons 205 and 210. Input object 300 of FIG. 3D is not nearany portions of first and second capacitive buttons 205 and 210. Hence,indicia from sensor electrodes A-D would reflect such, and no buttonactuation results.

It is worth noting that input object 300 in fourth position 320 overlapswith the routing traces of all four sensor electrodes A-D. Thus, it maybe possible for input object 300 to interact capacitively with therouting traces, affect the indicia generated by sensor electrodes A-D,and cause incorrect button actuations. In most embodiments, thispotential problem can be addressed by positioning the routing tracesfarther away from the input object 300 in the third dimension (into andout of the page in FIG. 3D), by proper shielding of the routing traces,by disposing the routing traces elsewhere (e.g. in areas that inputobjects are unlikely to be near), minimizing the area available forcapacitive coupling, a combination thereof, or the like.

Referring now with FIG. 3E, a block diagram of capacitive buttons isshown in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Firstand second capacitive buttons 205 and 210, respectively, are shown, withinput object 300 at a fifth position 325 over first capacitive button205.

Input object 300 of FIG. 3E is positioned over a right portion of thesensor electrode elements A₁, B₁ and C₁ of first capacitive button 205,and covers portions of sensor electrode elements B₁ and C₁ of sensorelectrodes B and C. The sensor electrodes A-D provide indicia relatingto input object 300 at fifth position 325, which reflects input object300 interacting mostly with sensor electrodes B and C. In manyembodiments, the change in capacitive coupling is sufficient to causesensor electrode B, and perhaps sensor electrode C, to be activated. Insome embodiments, sensor electrode A results may also be slightlyaffected due to fringing effects (although such effects are likely to beminimal) and sensor electrode D results are not significantly affected.In many embodiments, with such a set of indicia and resulting sensorelectrode values, no button actuation is recognized.

Referring now to FIG. 3F, a block diagram of capacitive buttons is shownin accordance with embodiments of the present technology. First andsecond capacitive buttons 205 and 210, respectively, are shown withinput objects 340 and 345 (fingers are shown) concurrently disposed insensing region of capacitive buttons 205 and 210. Input object 340, atsixth position 330, overlaps sensor electrode elements B₁ and C₁ ofsensor electrodes B and C. Input object 345, at seventh position 335,covers an entire set of sensor electrode elements (that of secondcapacitive button 210). In other words, input object 345 is close to andoverlaps sensor electrode elements A₂, B₂, and D₂ of sensor electrodesA, B, and D With a case such as what is shown in FIG. 3F, the resultingindicia typically indicates user interaction with all four sensorelectrodes A-D.

In many embodiments, this would result in all of the sensor electrodesA-D activated. In some embodiments, the controller may suppress orreject all button actuation possibilities, since having all sensorelectrodes A-D activated may cause ambiguity about whether the userintended to actuate either or both of capacitive buttons 205 and 210.This is especially likely if the input objects 340 and 345 arrivedsubstantially simultaneously in sixth position 330 and seventh position335.

If the arrival of input objects 340 and 345 in sixth position 330 andseventh position 335 are sufficiently separated in time, then buttonactuation may have occurred earlier. In many embodiments, if inputobject 345 arrives at seventh position 335 substantially before thearrival of input object 340 at sixth position 330, then input object 345may have caused actuation of second capacitive button 210 before inputobject 340 arrived at sixth position 330. However, in many embodiments,if input object 345 arrives at seventh position 335 substantially afterthe arrival of input object 340 at sixth position 330, then input object345 may not have caused actuation of second capacitive button 210.

Further, in many embodiments, input object 340 would not cause actuationof first capacitive button 205 regardless of if input object 340 arrivesat sixth position 330 before, after, or at the same time as input object345 arriving at seventh position 335. In those embodiments, theinteraction of input object 340, at sixth position 330, with firstcapacitive button 205 is not sufficient to result in actuation of firstcapacitive button 205.

Some embodiments may recognize that sensor electrodes B and perhaps Care experiencing an amount of interaction indicative of user inputinteracting with more than one sensor electrode element of therespective sensor electrodes. In such embodiments, the controller maysuppress, reject, or ignore button actuation possibilities since suchamounts of interaction may cause ambiguity about whether the userintended to actuate either or both of the capacitive buttons 205 and210.

It should be noted that there would be less ambiguity for a scenariosuch as shown in FIG. 3F if sensor electrodes were not shared betweenfirst and second capacitive buttons 205 and 210. If sensor electrodeswere not shared, and six distinct sensor electrodes are used (one foreach sensor electrode element), then the indicia from the sensorelectrodes would indicate that an input object is over part of firstcapacitive button 205 (not centered) and a second input object is overthe second capacitive button 210 (likely centered). In such a case, thecontroller may allow actuation of the second capacitive button 210.

Of note, the present technology may also be utilized in conjunction withhaptic feedback. A haptic feedback mechanism may be used to providehaptic feedback in response to activation of one or more sensorelectrodes. Alternatively or in addition to providing feedback inresponse to sensor electrode activation, haptic feedback may be providedin response to button actuation. The timing of feedback may be providedon the “press” of a capacitive button, on the “release” of a capacitivebutton, or both. Also, different haptic feedback may be provided foractivation of a sensor electrode vs. actuation of a button, foractivation of different sensor electrodes, for actuation of differentcapacitive buttons, for press versus release, for suppressed buttonactuation (e.g. suppression in response to indicia from one or moredisambiguating electrodes or other inputs), and the like. For example,the haptic feedback may be continuous or pulsed, or otherwise vary inmagnitude or frequency. Haptic feedback may also be used in combinationwith other types of feedback, including visual and auditory feedback.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram 900 of a method for determining actuation of acapacitive button, according to one embodiment. Thus, although flowdiagram 900 shows three steps in a particular order, it is understoodthat different implementations may include different numbers of steps inother orders. Reference will be made to the capacitive sensing device100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the description of flow diagram 900 in thediscussion below for convenience. It is understood that the stepsdescribed below may be used with any of the different MSE capacitivebutton systems described herein.

In 905, in one embodiment, the method receives indicia from at leastthree distinct sensor electrodes comprising a capacitive button. In someimplementations, this involves driving sensor electrodes to measure theamount of capacitive coupling of the sensor electrodes to an externalobject.

In some other implementations, 905 may involve emitting electricalsignals using an emitter sensor electrode that is separate from the atleast three distinct sensor electrodes. The electrical signals would beconfigured for effecting receipt of the indicia from the at least threedistinct sensor electrodes.

In yet other implementations, 905 may involve emitting electricalsignals using at least two of the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes. As discussed above, using the same sensor electrodes to emitand receive means that the capacitive sensing device will likely timemultiplex between different emitter-receiver combinations. Theelectrical signals emitted by the at least two of the at least threedistinct sensor electrodes would be configured for effecting receipt ofthe indicia from the at least three distinct sensor electrodes.

In 910, in one embodiment, the method generates at least three electrodevalues from the indicia received from the at least three sensorelectrodes.

In 915, in one embodiment, the method utilizes the at least threeelectrode values to determine actuation of the capacitive button.Actuation determination in 915 can involve direct examination of theelectrode values themselves, such as by comparing at least one of theelectrode values to an activation threshold value. For example, this canbe done with an activation identification mechanism 220 that canindicate when indicia received from particular sensor electrodes exceedone or more activation thresholds, as discussed above. Further, thetemporal characteristics of the electrode values may also be evaluatedin determining button actuation.

Alternatively, actuation determination in 915 can involve indirectexamination of the electrode values by calculating positionalcharacteristics, such as with a positional characteristics analyzingunit 218. For example, actuation determination may involve determiningone or more position characteristics of one or more input objects withrespect to the capacitive button. The positional characteristics may bedetermined for an instance in time or over a span of time. For example,position may be estimated using the electrode values.

Further, actuation determination in 915 can involve a combination of theapproaches described above. For example, embodiments may use anycombination of examining electrode values directly, evaluate changes toelectrode values over time, determine and examine positionalcharacteristics, evaluate temporal changes to positionalcharacteristics, and the like.

As discussed above, the number and order of the parts of flow diagram900 can change in specific implementations. For example, one or moreadditional blocks can be added to support distinguishing falseactuations using a disambiguating electrode. Specifically, thecapacitive sensing device 100 can include one or more disambiguatingelectrodes disposed proximate to the capacitive button, and the flowdiagram 900 can include receiving indicia from such disambiguatingelectrode(s). The flow diagram 900 can further include generating one ormore disambiguating values from the indicia received from thedisambiguating electrode(s), and utilizing the disambiguating value(s)to determine a false actuation of the capacitive button.

As another example, the capacitive sensing device 100 can be configuredto effect haptic feedback by directly controlling a haptic feedbacksystem, or by providing an indication that haptic feedback should beprovided. Flow diagram 900 can then be expanded to include effectinghaptic feedback in response to a determination of button actuation.

Electronic systems can include and operate with MSE capacitive buttons.For example, an electronic system can include an output device capableof providing human-observable output, a plurality of capacitive buttons,and a controller. The plurality of capacitive buttons includes asubstrate, a first set of sensor electrode elements disposed on thesubstrate, and a second set of sensor electrode elements disposed on thesubstrate. The first set of sensor electrode elements has at least threesensor electrode elements associated with distinct sensor electrodes ofa plurality of sensor electrodes; that is, at least three sensorelectrode elements of the first set do not share sensor electrodes witheach other (however, if there are more than three sensor electrodeelements in the first set, they may share sensor electrodes in somecases). Similarly, the second set of sensor electrode elements also hasat least three sensor electrode elements that do not share sensorelectrodes with each other. In some embodiments, one or more sensorelectrode elements of the first set may be associated with the samesensor electrode(s) as one or more sensor electrode element of thesecond set. That is, the first and second sets of sensor electrodeelements may share sensor electrodes.

The controller is coupled to the plurality of capacitive buttons and isconfigured to receive indicia from the plurality of sensor electrodes,to generate at least three electrode values using the indicia receivedfrom sensor electrodes associated with the first set of sensor electrodeelements, and to utilize the at least three electrode values todetermine actuation of the first capacitive button.

The controller is further configured to effect human-observable outputusing the output device in response to actuation of the capacitivebutton. This can be done by controlling the output device, or indirectlyby indicating to some other device that the output device should providehuman-observable output.

The output device can be any appropriate device that outputs somethingobservable by human senses such as sight, hearing, smell, taste, andtouch. For example, the output device may provide visual output,auditory output, kinesthetic output, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the output device is a sound device, and the controllercauses one or more sounds using the sound device. In other embodiments,the output device is a force feedback device, and the controller causeshaptic feedback using the force feedback device.

Determining Actuations of MSE Capacitive Buttons

More generally, methods and apparatuses for determining the actuation ofmultiple-sensor-electrode capacitive buttons are described in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology, the capacitive buttonarrangements described herein are used in determining the actuation ofone or more capacitive buttons in the capacitive button arrangements.Each of the capacitive buttons has at least three sensor electrodeelements associated with at least three distinct sensor electrodes.

In the discussion herein, “indicia” is used to denote both the case of asingle indicium, and the case of multiple indicia (e.g. from multiplesensor electrodes simultaneously, from a same sensor electrode overtime, or a mix of both). This has been done for convenience ofexplanation.

More particularly, and referring to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments,indicia are received from the at least three distinct sensor electrodes,A, B, and C, which are associated with the at least three sensorelectrode elements, A₁, B₁, and C₁, comprising first capacitive button205. When an input object (not shown), such as a finger, interacts withfirst capacitive button 205, the indicia indicates the interaction ofthe input object with the at least three sensor electrode elements, A₁,B₁, and C₁. In some embodiments, actuation of first capacitive button205, based at least in part on satisfying a set of criteria, is thendetermined. In many embodiments, this set of criteria can be used todistinguish input intended to cause button actuation from input notintended to cause button actuation.

In embodiments of the present technology, satisfying at least thefollowing set of criteria results in a determination of the actuation ofan MSE capacitive button: satisfying a condition associated with alocation of an input object relative to the center of the MSE capacitivebutton (a “location condition”), and satisfying a condition associatedwith a change in capacitive coupling (a “coupling condition”). The term“condition” is used to herein to indicate a criterion. Possibleconditions include, and are not limited to, requirements in value, time,direction, space, history, and the like. Oftentimes, as discussed below,conditions may involve thresholds. All of these thresholds may bepredetermined (e.g. at design, manufacture, use) or determineddynamically.

For example, a location condition concerning a location of the inputobject relative to the center of the capacitive button can beimplemented using a maximum distance from the center of the capacitivebutton, a range of distances from the center of the capacitive buttonwhere the input object can be at, a region about the center of thecapacitive button where the input object should be in, and the like.Generally, the location of the input object is gauged at least in partbased on the indicia received from the sensor electrodes associated withthe sensor electrode elements comprising the capacitive button. Thus,the location can be derived through direct examination of the indicia,processing of the indicia into some other form (e.g. electrode values,modified electrode values, etc.) that may or may not be furtherprocessed before evaluation, and the like.

As another example, a coupling condition concerning a change incapacitive coupling can be implemented as a requirement on a magnitudeof a change in capacitive coupling of the sensor electrodes associatedwith the sensor electrode elements comprising the capacitive button. Themagnitude of the change in capacitive coupling can be required tosatisfy a first threshold magnitude, such as to be below, to meet, or toexceed the first threshold magnitude. Generally, the magnitude of thechange in capacitive coupling is gauged at least in part based on theindicia received. The change in capacitive coupling is often determinedas a change in capacitance. The change in capacitive coupling can bethat of each sensor electrode, or that of a button (e.g. determinedusing a total change in capacitive coupling of all sensor electrodeshaving sensor electrode elements in the applicable capacitive button).

For example, in many embodiments, part of the set of criteria that mustbe satisfied for a capacitive button to be actuated is that the locationof the input object must satisfy a condition associated with a locationof the input object. For example, locations away from where inputobjects typically are when actuating a capacitive button may indicateinput meant for something else other than button actuation. In someembodiments, and referring to FIG. 2A, this set of criteria comprises alocation of the input object relative to a center of first capacitivebutton 205. The location of the input object is gauged at least in partbased on the indicia, satisfies a condition associated with a distancefrom the center of first capacitive button 205.

In many embodiments, a “centered” position of an input object refers tothat position of an input object that is close to an MSE capacitivebutton's center, based at least in part on, but not limited to, the MSEcapacitive button's weighting factor, area, shape, and overlapping ofthe input object with the MSE capacitive button. In some embodiments, aninput object sufficiently overlaps with the MSE capacitive button when adistance of the input object from the center of the MSE capacitivebutton is no more than, or less than, a threshold distance. Thus, insome embodiments, the location condition comprises the location of theinput object being within a threshold distance of the center of thecapacitive button. In some other embodiments, an input object is“centered” when it is in a defined region about the center of the MSEcapacitive button.

In many embodiments, and still referring to FIG. 2A, part of the set ofcriteria that must be satisfied for an MSE capacitive button to beactuated is a change in capacitive coupling of the at least threedistinct sensor electrodes A, B, and C, associated with the at leastthree sensor electrode elements, A₁, B₁, and C₁, comprising firstcapacitive button 205. The change in capacitive coupling is based atleast in part on the indicia, and a condition associated with a changein capacitive coupling is applied. For example, small changes in theamount of capacitive coupling may reflect noise, accidental input,environmental changes, or input meant for something else other thanbutton actuation.

A measure of the overall change in capacitive coupling, of a MSEcapacitive button, due to an input object is referred to herein as “Z”.“Z” can be calculated by totaling the indicia of the sensor electrodesthat have at least one sensor electrode element in the MSE capacitivebutton. This can be done directly or indirectly, and pre- orpost-processing may occur. For example, the indicia of the sensorelectrodes can be converted to digital electrode values, and theelectrode values filtered, weighted, etc. For example, Equation 1 showsa “Z” calculation for an MSE capacitive button with three sensorelectrode elements associated with three sensor electrodes, A, B, and C.The electrode values derived from indicia received from each sensorelectrode is represented by “S,” such that S_(A) is the electrode valuefor sensor electrode A, S_(B) is the electrode value for sensorelectrode B, and S_(C) is the electrode value for sensor electrode C.Note that that a modified electrode value may be one that is clipped toa maximum or minimum value. For example, if the unmodified electrodevalue is greater than a maximum allowed electrode value, the modifiedelectrode value is set to the maximum allowed electrode value or someother value.Z=S _(A) +S _(B) +S _(C)  (Eq. 1)

In many embodiments, sufficient user engagement, in which “Z” is greaterthan some threshold, satisfies a threshold magnitude of change incapacitive coupling. Typically, sufficient user engagement can beestimated by changes in the amount of capacitive coupling that aresufficiently large in magnitude. User disengagement can be estimated bymagnitudes in changes in the amount of capacitive coupling that aresufficiently small. “Sufficient” herein refers to user interaction thatis sufficient to trigger activation of a sensor electrode or actuationof an MSE capacitive button. Thus, sufficient interaction with a sensorelectrode may result in sensor electrode activation, while sufficientinteraction with a capacitive button may result in button actuation.

In many embodiments, the magnitude of the change in capacitive couplingof the at least three distinct sensor electrodes associated with an MSEcapacitive button is gauged at least in part based on the indicia. Thiscan be done by using the indicia to determine at least three distinctelectrode values, where each distinct electrode value of the at leastthree distinct electrode values is associated with a different sensorelectrode of the at least three distinct sensor electrodes. A total ofthe distinct electrode values can then be used. The total can be adirect summation of the electrode values or modified electrode values,or some type of indirect accumulation of the electrode values (e.g. afiltered summation of changes). In many embodiments where electrodevalues are determined, the coupling condition may be implemented byrequiring the total of the distinct electrode values to be greater thana threshold magnitude.

In some embodiments, the magnitude requirement imposes a limit on onlyone side of a range of potential magnitudes, such as “Z>5”. In someother embodiments, the magnitude requirement imposes limits on bothsides of a range of potential magnitudes, such as “5<z<8”.

In some embodiments, the coupling condition is satisfied if the changein capacitive coupling indicates user engagement with the capacitivebutton followed by user disengagement with the capacitive button. Forexample, the coupling condition may require a sequence of occurrences inwhich “Z” is first greater than a first threshold, and then “Z” is laterless than a second threshold. Of note, these thresholds do not have tobe the same threshold. Differing thresholds can introduce hysteresis,which helps to prevent the criterion from fluttering quickly between“satisfied” and “not satisfied.”.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, a condition associated withthe change in capacitive coupling is satisfied when any electrode valueof an electrode value for each of the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, A, B, and C, satisfies a requirement associated with thechange in capacitive coupling. Where electrode values are determined forthe sensor electrodes, such as at least one for each of the at leastthree distinct sensor electrodes, A, B, and C, the electrode values canbe used in any comparisons or evaluations. In other words, in someembodiments, only one of the at least three electrode values associatedwith the at least three distinct sensor electrodes, A, B, and C, mustsatisfy a threshold for the coupling condition to be met and for an MSEcapacitive button to potentially be actuated.

For example, in some embodiments, the magnitude of the change incapacitive coupling of the at least three distinct sensor electrodes isgauged at least in part based on the indicia. This can be accomplishedby using the indicia to determine at least three distinct electrodevalues, where each distinct electrode value of the at least threedistinct electrode values is associated with a different sensorelectrode of the at least three distinct sensor electrodes. At least oneof the distinct electrode values being greater than the first thresholdmagnitude can thus satisfy the coupling condition in those embodiments.

For example, a condition may be a single threshold at 6.2, and requirean electrode value greater than 6.2. If the “S” value of any of thethree sensor electrodes, A, B, or C, is greater than the value of 6.2,then the condition is satisfied and the MSE capacitive button may beactuated if all other criteria (if any) in the set of criteria are met.While an example utilizing “S” values are described herein in relationto conditions associated with the capacitive coupling of sensorelectrodes, the present technology is well suited to utilizingdeterminations other than “S” values.

In some embodiments, a condition associated with the change incapacitive coupling is satisfied in part when the change in thecapacitive coupling occurs at least at a threshold rate. In other words,the change in capacitive coupling due to an input object is determinedover time and evaluated. In some embodiments, an input object'sengagement, and hence capacitive coupling, with an MSE capacitive buttonchanges as the input object approaches the MSE capacitive button. As theinput object approaches at certain speed and location combinations, itcauses changes in capacitive coupling satisfying the threshold rate. Insome embodiments, this threshold rate is a condition that must besatisfied in order for the MSE capacitive button to be actuated.Depending on the implementation, satisfying this rate condition can meanchanges that occur at a rate that is less than, no more than, equal to,no less than, or greater than the threshold rate. Further, depending onthe implementation, the rate of change in capacitive coupling may be aninstantaneous or an average rate.

In many embodiments, the rate of change in capacitive coupling is meantas a measure of an approach rate of an input object towards an MSEcapacitive button. Thus, the rate of change in capacitive coupling inthose embodiments may roughly estimate the approach rate as a first timederivative of “Z” as shown in Equation 2.

$\begin{matrix}{{{First}\mspace{14mu}{time}\mspace{14mu}{derivative}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu} Z} = \frac{\mathbb{d}Z}{\mathbb{d}t}} & \left( {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \right)\end{matrix}$

As shown, embodiments of the present technology are well suited tocalculating derivatives of “Z” (e.g. difference equations for discretetime differences). Embodiments of the present technology are also wellsuited to calculating integrals of Z (e.g. discrete time sums). As willbe described herein, embodiments of the present technology enablederivatives of “Z” to be calculated to attain positionalcharacteristics, such as but not limited to the following: positions,speeds, and velocities of one or more input objects.

In some embodiments, part of a set of criteria that must be satisfiedfor an MSE capacitive button to be actuated is the satisfaction of acondition associated with a duration of time during which an inputobject interacts with an MSE capacitive button. For example,satisfaction of conditions for short durations may indicate noise,environmental effects, accidental input, input meant for something elseother than button actuation, and the like. In some embodiments, theduration condition is satisfied where indicia indicate an input objectsufficiently interacting with the capacitive button for a duration oftime. In those embodiments, the duration condition concerns an amount oftime that the input object interacts with the capacitive button. Theduration condition comprises that the amount of time being greater thana first threshold duration. In other embodiments, the duration conditionis satisfied where indicia indicate an input object not sufficientlyinteracting with the capacitive button for a duration of time. Of note,different embodiments that impose duration conditions on “sufficientlyinteracting” and “not sufficiently interacting” may have sets ofcriteria that require the same or different time durations for“sufficiently interacting” and “not sufficiently interacting.”

As discussed, the determination of the actuation and/or deactuation ofan MSE capacitive button, involves in part satisfying a certain set ofcriteria. The set of criteria includes various conditions, which may beassociated with predetermined threshold values. Other possibleconditions in the set of criteria include, and are not limited to: thelateral speed of an input object; the lateral speed of an input objectduring a time period when a coupling condition is satisfied (e.g. timeof sufficient change in capacitive coupling); the total lateral distancetraveled by an input object; a distance between a location of an inputobject and the center of an MSE capacitive button; and a reduction incapacitive coupling. “Lateral” is used herein to indicate directions ina plane corresponding to a local portion of the sensing region (e.g. apart of a curved surface). In the figures shown, lateral would be indirections in the plane of the paper. Meanwhile, “vertical” is used toindicate directions into and out of the plane of the figures.

As will be described in more detail herein, a “clean press” of an inputobject to an MSE capacitive button is a situation in which the inputobject is clearly “pressed” onto a surface associated with the MSEcapacitive button. In many embodiments, this means that a large numberof conditions, such as those described herein, has been satisfied. A“clean lift” of an input object from an MSE capacitive button is asituation in which the input object is clearly “lifted” from a surfaceassociated with the MSE capacitive button. In many embodiments, thismeans that a large number of conditions, such as those described herein,has been satisfied. In many embodiments, a “clean press” leads to anindication of the actuation of the capacitive button at a time when theset of criteria is satisfied. This is often referred to “actuation atpress,” and simulates many of the mechanical buttons. The capacitivebutton device can further provide repeated indications of buttonactuation in response to the input object still interacting with thecapacitive button sufficiently “cleanly” after an initial clean press.This would simulate the response of mechanical keyboards, for example.

Furthermore, a “sloppy press” of an input object to an MSE capacitivebutton is a situation in which the input object is not as clearly“pressed” onto a surface associated with the MSE capacitive button (itmay have wandered laterally into interaction with the MSE capacitivebutton, for example). In many embodiments, this means that a smallernumber of conditions, such as those described herein, has beensatisfied. Meanwhile, a “sloppy lift” of an input object from an MSEcapacitive button is a situation the input object is not as clearly“lifted” from a surface associated with the MSE capacitive button (itmay have wandered out laterally from interaction with the MSE capacitivebutton, for example). In many embodiments, this means that a smallernumber of conditions, such as those described herein, has beensatisfied.

In some embodiments, a “sloppy press” followed by a “clean lift” leadsto actuation on release. In some embodiments, a “clean press” followedby a “clean lift” leads to actuation on release only, or actuation onboth press and release (two distinct button actuations). Thus, in someembodiments, the location condition on the input object is imposed on alocation of the input object. The location being one at a time definedby when the set of criteria is no longer satisfied (e.g. the locationjust before the coupling condition or some other condition is no longersatisfied). The condition comprises the location being within athreshold distance of the center of the capacitive button. The time whenthe set of criteria is no longer satisfied should occur substantiallyimmediately after a time when the set of criteria is satisfied (toindicate a release). In response to this, actuation of the capacitivebutton is indicated no earlier than the time when the set of criteria isno longer satisfied.

In some embodiments, part of a set of criteria that must be satisfiedfor an MSE capacitive button to be actuated is a speed conditionconcerning a lateral speed of an input object relative to an MSEcapacitive button. The lateral speed of the input object, gauged atleast in part based on the indicia received from the at least threedistinct sensor electrodes, has to satisfy a condition associated withspeed. For example, high speeds while interacting with a capacitivebutton may indicate input meant for something else other than buttonactuation. In some embodiments, this is implemented as a speed conditioncomprising the lateral speed of the input object being less than athreshold speed during a time when the coupling condition is satisfied,wherein the lateral speed of the input object is gauged at least in partbased on the indicia.

In some embodiments where positions are determined (e.g. X and Ypositions in a Cartesian system), lateral speed may be calculated bytaking the magnitude of the time derivatives of X and Y. This is shownusing Equation 3 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Lateral}\mspace{14mu}{Speed}} = {{\frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{x}}{\mathbb{d}t} + \frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{y}}{\mathbb{d}t}}}} & \left( {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 3} \right)\end{matrix}$

It is understood that, although Cartesian coordinates are used in mostof the example equations shown, that any applicable coordinate systemcan be used. Thus, the equations may not be used as shown. Further, itis understood that embodiments may not directly calculate any of thesepositional characteristics, since evaluation of positionalcharacteristics may be direct or indirect.

One way to implement the speed condition is to monitor an input objectfor low lateral speed during a time which an MSE capacitive buttonactuation is possible.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, part of a set of criteria that must besatisfied for an MSE capacitive button to be actuated is a criterionconcerning a lateral speed of an input object relative to an MSEcapacitive button, during a time of sufficient change in capacitivecoupling. Generally, the lateral speed is gauged at least based in parton the indicia received from the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes.

In some embodiments, a part of a set of criteria that must be satisfiedfor an MSE capacitive button to be actuated is a criterion on a lateraldistance of movement of an input object relative to the MSE capacitivebutton, during a time of capacitive coupling with the input object,based at least in part on the indicia. The input needs to satisfy acondition associated with the lateral distance of movement. For example,large amounts of lateral movement while interacting with a capacitivebutton may indicate input meant for something else other than buttonactuation. In many embodiments, this distance condition can beimplemented by considering a total lateral distance traveled by theinput object relative to the capacitive button during a time when thecoupling condition is satisfied. The distance condition comprises thetotal lateral distance being less than a threshold lateral distance.Generally, the total lateral distance is gauged based at least in parton the indicia.

For example, in some embodiments where positions are determined (e.g. Xand Y positions in a Cartesian system), the lateral distance traveledwhen the coupling condition is satisfied can be calculated as a timeintegral of the lateral speed. This is shown in Equation 4:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Lateral}\mspace{14mu}{Distance}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{Movement}} = {\int{{{\frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{x}}{\mathbb{d}t} + \frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{y}}{\mathbb{d}t}}}{\mathbb{d}t}}}} & \left( {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 4} \right)\end{matrix}$

If Equation 4 is used as expressed above, in order to calculate thelateral distance of movement, the integral of the speed is calculated.Integrating may begin when at least one sensor electrode is activated;if a sensor electrode is never activated, then an integral is neverperformed. Or, a continuous integral is reset when the electrodeactivated/deactivated.

A total lateral distance of movement refers to the total distance thatwas traveled by an input object over some period(s) in time. Forexample, assume that nine MSE capacitive buttons are disposed proximateto each other, and lined up in a single row. An input object passes overand interacts with all nine buttons in one single pass. The totallateral distance of movement, if for the amount of time when the inputobject interacted sufficiently with one of the capacitive buttons, wouldbe the distance traveled only while the input object sufficientlyinteracted with that one capacitive button. In contrast, the totallateral distance of movement for the entire time that the input objectinteracts with the set of nine buttons would be much greater.

In some embodiments, part of a set of criteria that must be satisfiedfor an MSE capacitive button to be actuated is a “vertical approach” ofan input object relative to an MSE capacitive button. The verticalapproach of the input object is gauged at least in part on the indicia,and needs to satisfy a condition associated with the vertical approach.“Vertical approach” is used here to indicate input object approach inthe direction typical for button actuation. For capacitive buttons withassociated surfaces, this often means directions of approach that aresubstantially orthogonal to the surfaces. For example, approaches to thecapacitive button that are not sufficiently “vertical” may indicateinput meant for something else other than button actuation.

In many embodiments, this vertical approach requirement can beimplemented as a approach condition concerning a direction of approachby the input object. The direction of approach by the input object isevaluated relative to the capacitive button during a time when thecoupling condition is satisfied. The approach condition comprises thedirection of approach being substantially orthogonal to a local portionof a surface associated with the capacitive button. Generally, thedirection of approach is gauged based at least in part on the indicia.

Many different methods can be used to gauge the input object'sverticalness of approach to an MSE capacitive button. As one example,the lateral speed is compared with the approach rate. In manyembodiments, this can be estimated as in Equation 5. In equation 5,ratios with higher magnitudes indicate greater verticalness.Verticalness of Approach=dZ/∥d{right arrow over (x)}+d{right arrow over(y)}∥  (Eq. 5)

In some embodiments, part of a set of criteria that must be satisfiedfor a capacitive button to be actuated concerns a location of an inputobject relative to a center of the MSE capacitive button during a timeof sufficient change in capacitive coupling due to the input object. Thelocation is evaluated at least in part based on the indicia. In manyembodiments, many locations of the input object are considered. Forexample, in some embodiments, the input object must satisfy a conditionassociated with a distance between an initial position and a finalposition of the input object. As discussed, these positions may bedetermined using any coordinate system (e.g. Cartesian coordinates) orother frame of reference. Once these positions are known, the distancebetween the initial position and the final position of the input objectcan be determined.

In some embodiments, part of a set of criteria that must be satisfiedfor a capacitive button to be actuated involves two substantiallynon-overlapping conditions on a same characteristic. In otherembodiments, one condition includes two substantially non-overlappingrequirements on a same characteristics. In many embodiments, theconditions (or requirements) need to be satisfied in a particular order.For example, some embodiments impose a first condition associated with amagnitude of a change in capacitive coupling to recognize sufficientinteraction of the input object with an MSE button (e.g. some type of“press”). After that first condition is satisfied, the embodimentsimpose a second condition on the magnitude of a later change incapacitive coupling to recognize no sufficient interaction of the inputobject with an MSE button (e.g. some type of “lift.”). The secondcondition does not overlap with the first condition in that themagnitude required for “press” is greater than the magnitude requiredfor “release.” By including non-overlapping conditions, hysteresis isintroduced and therefore reduces the likelihood of determinations ofbutton actuation that quickly flutter between actuation and noactuation.

Take the example in which a first condition applied to a first eventrequires a calculated threshold value to be less than 6 to causeactuation of an MSE capacitive button. Further, a second conditionapplied to an event occurring directly after the first event requires acalculated threshold value to be greater than 6 to cause deactuation ofan MSE capacitive button. If the capacitive button device calculates avalue to be 6, the determination of button actuation may flutter betweenactuation and no actuation.

As described herein, “Z” represents the change in capacitive coupling ofinput object with an MSE capacitive button. Thus, a time derivative of Zmay be used to estimate an approach rate of the input object towards anMSE capacitive button, and the time derivative of Z may also be used toestimate a recession rate of the input object from the MSE capacitivebutton. The approach rate, as well as the recession rate may be roughlyestimated as a first time derivative of “Z” as shown in Equation 2,above. Using one convention where Z increases with proximity of theinput to the capacitive button, a positive dZ/dt indicates that theinput object is approaching an MSE capacitive button, and a negativedZ/dt indicates that the input object is receding from the MSEcapacitive button. Under another convention, the reverse is true.

In some embodiments, the rate of recession is considered as part of theset of criteria that must be satisfied for a capacitive button to beactuated. In some embodiments, conditions on the rate of recession areimposed indirectly. For example, a “vertical recession” can involvecomparison of the recession rate with lateral speed when the inputobject is receding. Analogs to Equation 5 can be used.

In some embodiments, a set of criteria that must be satisfied for acapacitive button to be actuated comprises a coupling condition on achange in capacitive coupling of the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, where the coupling condition has multiple requirements. Insome embodiments, the magnitude of change in capacitive coupling mustsatisfy a first threshold magnitude and satisfy a second thresholdmagnitude. For example, the first threshold magnitude may be satisfiedif the magnitude of the change in capacitive coupling is greater thanthe first threshold magnitude, while the second threshold magnitude maybe satisfied if the magnitude of the change in capacitive coupling isless than the second threshold magnitude. Unless both thresholds aresatisfied, no actuation of the MSE capacitive button will be determinedor indicated. In many embodiments, this can be implemented as themagnitude of the change in capacitive coupling being less than a secondthreshold magnitude, wherein the second threshold magnitude is greaterthan the first threshold magnitude.

For example, too much user engagement with the capacitive buttonarrangement may indicate something other than input intended to actuateone or more capacitive buttons. Too much user engagement may involve anMSE capacitive button sensing too great a change in capacitive coupling,or may involve multiple MSE capacitive buttons together sensing changesin capacitive coupling that are too high. For example, if a “total Z” (avalue reflective of a total of the changes in capacitive coupling for anumber of sensor electrodes, including sensor electrodes from differentcapacitive buttons. Usually, a greater number of sensor electrodes thanthere are sensor electrodes associated with a capacitive button areincluded) is too high for the entire set of multiple MSE capacitivebuttons, then it might be determined that no actuation is intended. Forinstance, the “total Z” may be too high because the object sensed by theMSE capacitive buttons is too large (e.g. the buttons are sensing a leg,a cheek, or other body part not meant to interact with the capacitivebutton arrangement). As another example, the “total Z” may be too highbecause multiple input objects are interacting multiple capacitivebuttons, especially if the multiple capacitive buttons are not designedto accept multiple input objects. Thus, in those embodiments, for thecapacitive button to be actuated, the applicable “total Z” must be lessthan (or at least no more than) some threshold. Note that, in somecases, Z may be calculated based on modified electrode values. Asdiscussed above, these modified electrode values may be clipped to oneor more maximum or minimum values.

Since, in many embodiments, the change in capacitive coupling increaseswith the area of overlap between an input object with the sensorelectrodes, indicia from the sensor electrodes can also be used toreduce false button actuations by inhibiting indications of buttonactuation. As one example, this can be accomplished by monitoring forindicia reflective of input not intended for button actuation, andlimiting processing of the indicia (or derivatives of the indicia, suchas electrode values or positional characteristics) in response. Asanother example, this can be accomplished by processing indicia andderivatives as usual, and suppressing the indication of buttonactuations in response to indications of input not intended for buttonactuation. As a further example, this can be accomplished by rejectingindicia (or derivatives of indicia) that appear unintended for buttonactuation, and continuing to process other indicia or input. In a simpleexample, inhibition may continue until all significant user input isremoved (e.g. all applicable sensor electrodes are inactive). As can beseen, there are many ways to implement the inhibition of indicatingbutton actuation in response to input that appear unintended for buttonactuation, including any combination of the above.

Depending on the implementation and the input received, potential buttonactuation can be inhibited for only some capacitive buttons of a buttonarrangement (e.g. those buttons that appear affected by the input thatappear not intended for button actuation) or all capacitive buttons of abutton arrangement. Further, the inhibition can last for a time periodafter the input that caused the original inhibition has finished.

In one example, some embodiments utilize a total of the changes incapacitive coupling for a number of sensor electrodes, including sensorelectrodes from different capacitive buttons. (Usually, a greater numberof sensor electrodes than there are sensor electrodes associated with acapacitive button are included). A “total Z” that reflects a total ofthe indicia or electrode values of that number of sensor electrodes isdetermined. If this total Z is greater than a start-suppressingthreshold, then capacitive button actuation may be inhibited. As anotherexample, some embodiments utilize a total of the changes in capacitivecoupling for all of the sensor electrodes in the capacitive buttonarrangement. If a “total Z” that reflects a total of all of the changesin capacitive coupling to all sensor electrodes is greater than anotherstart-suppressing threshold, then capacitive button actuation may beinhibited. In some embodiments, the inhibition will extend only for thetime when the start-suppressing threshold is satisfied. In someembodiments, the inhibition can extend for some time period after the“total Z” is less than a stop-suppressing threshold. Thestart-suppressing threshold and the stop-suppressing thresholds may bethe same threshold value. However, in many embodiments, they will differin order to introduce hysteresis and help reduce the likelihood of thecapacitive button device fluttering between suppressing and notsuppressing button actuations. In another embodiment, thestop-suppressing condition can include one or more stop-suppressingthresholds concerning electrode values, modified electrode values, orother derivatives of the indicia.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the inhibition of capacitivebutton actuation is based on indicia received from a subset of all ofthe sensor electrodes. For example, in some embodiments, if electrodevalues of some sensor electrodes in the MSE capacitive buttonarrangement satisfy start-suppressing criteria, then no capacitivebutton actuation results even if the indicia otherwise satisfycapacitive button actuation requirements. The start-suppressing criteriamay include any combination of thresholds for electrode values, historyof electrode values, a general fraction of sensor electrodes satisfyingrequirements on thresholds, history, etc., which sensor electrodessatisfy requirements on thresholds, history, etc., and the like.

Furthermore, like the change in total capacitive coupling embodimentsdescribed above, there may be a time-out after the electrode valuessatisfy start-suppressing criteria, or satisfy stop-suppressingcriteria. Additionally, start-suppressing criteria and stop-suppressingcriteria may be the same, or be different (e.g. to introducehysteresis).

Moreover, in some embodiments, capacitive button actuation may beinhibited only partially. For example, during partial inhibition,stricter capacitive button actuation criteria may be imposed and othercapacitive button actuation criteria rejected (e.g. in variousembodiments, the indicia must indicate a “clean press,” a “clean lift,or a “clean press” followed by a “clean lift”, all with additional orstricter limits, etc.). As another example, the inhibition may onlyapply to certain MSE capacitive buttons in a capacitive buttonarrangement (e.g. the MSE capacitive buttons closest to an estimatedposition of an input object causing the inhibition).

In some embodiments, the change in capacitive coupling of the at leastthree distinct sensor electrodes of the MSE capacitive button isdetermined based on a total of the indicia of the at least threedistinct sensor electrodes. The indicia can be used directly, or aderivative of the indicia (e.g. electrode values or modified electrodevalues) can be used in the totaling. For example, and as describedherein, Equation 1 can be used to calculate a sum of the electrodevalues associated with three sensor electrodes that have sensorelectrode elements in an MSE capacitive button, to arrive at a “Z”. Inmany embodiments, this “Z” is a gauge of user engagement with the MSEcapacitive button that includes the sensor electrodes providing thevalues summed, since it reflects a total of the indicia of all sensorelectrodes having elements in the MSE capacitive button. In someembodiments where sensor electrodes are shared, Equation 1 may need tobe modified to include subtracting out effects on the individualelectrode value that is unrelated to user interaction with theapplicable MSE capacitive button (e.g. due to some type of userinteraction with the sensor electrode, outside of the applicable MSEcapacitive button).

Additionally, the term, “total”, in reference to phrases such as “atotal of the indicia”, refers generally to processing that results insome type of accumulated measure of indicia. For example, the indicia orvalues derived from the indicia (e.g. electrode values) may be averaged,filtered, weighted, and the like, before being used for determination ofthe total. Moreover, the “total of the indicia” can be an indirectmeasure of the total such as via use of electrode values determined fromindicia.

In some embodiments, determining the change in capacitive coupling ofthe at least three distinct sensor electrodes comprises determining atotal of electrode values of at least three distinct sensor electrodesless the electrode value(s) of at least one sensor electrode outside ofthe MSE capacitive button. For example, user engagement may be gauged byconsidering a total of the electrode values of all sensor electrodeshaving sensor electrode elements in the MSE capacitive button less theelectrode values of at least one sensor electrode not having any sensorelectrode element in the MSE capacitive button. The sensor electrode maybe associated with a button other than one being interacted with by theuser, or the sensor electrode may be associated with a sensor electrodeelement located outside of the area of the intended button operation(e.g. a ring-shaped element such as element 500 of FIG. 5A).

In many embodiments, this can be accomplished by receiving indicia froman unassociated sensor electrode. The unassociated sensor electrode notassociated with any sensor electrode elements of the capacitive button.The magnitude of the change in capacitive coupling of the at least threedistinct sensor electrodes is gauged at least in part based on theindicia. If a total of indicia is used, some embodiments use the indiciafrom the at least three distinct sensor electrodes to determine distinctelectrode values for the at least three distinct sensor electrodes, anduse the indicia from the unassociated sensor electrode to determine anunassociated electrode value. Then, these embodiments use a differencebetween a total of the distinct electrode values and the unassociatedelectrode value. In some embodiments with disambiguating electrodes,differences between totals of the distinct electrode values andapplicable electrode value(s) of the disambiguating electrode(s) areused.

More particularly, in some embodiments, if there are any sensorelectrodes not interacting with the input object, then the changeexperienced by those sensor electrodes can be subtracted as common modeerror (e.g. noise, interfering signals, unintended input, etc.). Aversion of this is shown in the following Equation 6:Z=S _(A) +S _(B) +S _(C)−(common mode error)  (Eq. 6)

In the case that sensor electrodes are shared between MSE capacitivebuttons, such that some or all of the sensor electrodes have sensorelectrode elements in more than one MSE capacitive button, then itbecomes especially desirable to subtract the indicia associated with theone or more sensor electrodes outside of the MSE capacitive button. Inmany embodiments, a weighted version of those indicia is utilized. Aversion of this is shown in Equation 7 below:Z=S _(A) +S _(B) +S _(C)−(αS _(D))  (Eq 7)The weighting factor, α, varies with the configuration of the capacitivebutton arrangement (e.g. related to the number of sensor electrodeelements per MSE capacitive button). In some embodiments, the weightingfactor is 2. S_(D) is the change in the amount of capacitive coupling ofa sensor electrode outside of the MSE capacitive button.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, a set of four MSE capacitive buttons sharingfour sensor electrodes (sensor electrodes A, B, C, and D) is shown inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. The sensorelectrodes having sensor electrode elements in capacitive buttons 600,605, 610, and 615 are B-A-D, A-B-C, B-D-C, and D-A-C, respectively. Thelayout of the MSE capacitive buttons is such that MSE capacitive button600 is on the left while MSE capacitive button 615 is on the right. Theequations for calculating Z for the four MSE capacitive buttons, if theapproach shown in Equation 7 is applied, are as shown in Equations 8below:Z ₆₀₀ =S _(B) +S _(A) +S _(D)−α₆₀₀ S _(C)Z ₆₀₅ =S _(B) +S _(A) +S _(C)−α₆₀₅ S _(D)Z ₆₁₀ =S _(B) +S _(C) +S _(D)−α₆₁₀ S _(A)Z ₆₁₅ =S _(C) +S _(D) +S _(A)−α₆₁₅ S _(B)  (Eqs. 8)

In some embodiment, the weighting factors for different capacitivebuttons may be the same or substantially similar.

Even though FIG. 6A shows a set of four MSE capacitive buttons sharingexactly four different sensor electrodes, A-D, many other numbers ofsensor electrodes are possible. For example, there may be three MSEcapacitive buttons sharing three, four, nine, or other number of sensorelectrodes.

A capacitive button arrangement as described above may also distinguishand respond to input not meant for button actuation. Using an inputincluding a swiping motion as an example, a capacitive buttonarrangement may respond to a swipe by closing one or more windows orapplications, scrolling, clearing a screen, or the like.

In some embodiments, a swipe interaction with the capacitive button isdetermined (and indicated if appropriate) if a lateral speed of theinput object relative to the MSE capacitive button is in a range oflateral speeds. Generally, a fast lateral speed is desired, since fastlateral speeds typically often that the user input is intended to be aswipe. For example the range of lateral speeds may be a range thatincludes zero, or no motion (e.g. less than a maximum value, or no morethan a maximum value). As another example, the range of lateral speedsmay include infinity (e.g. greater than a minimum value, or no less thana minimum value). As yet another example, the range may require a speedbetween minimum and maximum speeds (e.g. the higher end being bound by:less than a maximum value, or no more than a maximum value while thelower end is bounded by: greater than a minimum value, or no less than aminimum value). The bounds behave as a type of minimum and maximumthresholds for the lateral speeds exhibited by input objects.

The direction of the swipe can also be determined, and indicated asappropriate. For example, in some embodiments using Cartesian X-Ycoordinates, an input may be considered a Y-swipe if the speed in the Ydirection is substantially greater than the speed in the X direction, anX-swipe if the speed in the X direction is substantially greater thanthe speed in the Y direction, and a diagonal swipe if the speed in the Yand X directions are relatively close in magnitude. It is understoodthat analogous versions of this approach can be applied to embodimentsusing other frames of reference.

In some embodiments using Cartesian X-Y coordinates, a swipe interactionmay be determined, and indicated as appropriate, if the speed in the Ydirection (e.g. ∥d{right arrow over (y)}/dt∥) is substantially greaterthan the speed in the X direction (e.g. ∥d{right arrow over (x)}/dt∥),or vice versa. It is understood that analogous versions of this approachcan be applied to embodiments using other frames of reference. As oneexample, polar coordinates can be used for circular travel around abutton, which can be used to indicate a spinning-type or whirling-typeswipe-like gesture.

In some embodiments, a swipe interaction with an MSE capacitive buttonis determined (and indicated if appropriate) if a total lateral distancetraveled by the input object relative to the MSE capacitive buttonsatisfies a threshold swipe distance. Generally, in some embodiments atotal lateral distance that is greater than the threshold swipe distanceis desired. For example, the threshold swipe distance can be set to begreater than a threshold concerning an acceptable lateral distance at a“press” or at a “lift” of an input objects providing an input thatresults in button actuation. This helps to indicate that the user inputis not meant for button actuation. However, in some embodiments, a totallateral distance less than the threshold swipe distance is desired. Forexample, some inputs that exhibits too much lateral distance mayindicate that the input is not meant to be a swipe interaction. Theinput may be intended for cursor control, game play, and the like.

Analogous to the lateral speed criterion, the direction of the swipe canalso be determined, and indicated as appropriate. For example, in someembodiments using Cartesian X-Y coordinates, an input may be considereda Y-swipe if the distance traveled in the Y direction is substantiallygreater than the distance traveled in the X direction, and vice versa. Adiagonal swipe may be determined if the distances traveled in the Y andX directions are relatively close in magnitude.

In some embodiments, a swipe interaction may be determined, andindicated as appropriate, if a comparison of distances traveled indifferent directions show substantially greater distance traveled in onedirection than other direction(s). For example, in some embodimentsusing Cartesian X-Y coordinates, a Y-swipe may be determined, andindicated as appropriate, if the total distance in Y is greater than thetotal distance in X, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the capacitive button arrangement may be responsiveto swipes only after the input object is determined not to be acapacitive button actuation. For example, the capacitive button devicemay run a swipe check in response to an input object that involves a“sloppy press” followed by a “sloppy lift” or some other set of statetransitions. Other embodiments may determine swipe interactions in aparallel process to determining button actuation.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, a capacitive button device iscapable of recognizing and monitoring swipes using criteria such as ahigh lateral speed (the absolute lateral speed, or the lateral speed inparticular directions), a large total distance traveled, any combinationthereof, or the like.

As discussed above, some implementations can also distinguish thedirection of a swipe input. For example, in some embodiments, if∥d{right arrow over (y)}/dt∥ is much greater than ∥d{right arrow over(x)}/dt∥, then this may be considered a Y-swipe. The capacitive buttondevice can also check that the total distance traveled in variousdirections is appropriate. For example, for a Y-swipe, the totaldistance traveled in Y may be greater than some threshold

$\left( {e.g.{\int{{{\frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{x}}{\mathbb{d}t} + \frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{y}}{\mathbb{d}t}}}{\mathbb{d}t}\mspace{14mu}{is}\mspace{14mu}{greater}\mspace{14mu}{than}\mspace{14mu}{some}\mspace{14mu}{threshold}}}} \right),$the total distance traveled in X may be less than some threshold

$\left( {e.g.{\int{{\ {\frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{x}}{\mathbb{d}t} + \frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{y}}{\mathbb{d}t}}}{\mathbb{d}t}\mspace{14mu}{is}\mspace{14mu}{less}\mspace{14mu}{than}\mspace{14mu}{some}\mspace{14mu}{threshold}}}} \right),$or both. For an X-swipe, the foregoing instance is reversed.

Where the capacitive button arrangement includes multiple,non-contiguous capacitive buttons, then any button positional output ofthe multiple MSE capacitive buttons may be examined and used together.For example, for a swipe that spans four MSE capacitive buttons lined upin a row, an input object that interacts with the MSE capacitive buttonsin sequence may be assumed to indicate a swipe input across the MSEcapacitive buttons.

In such a case, it may be useful to check that the swipe actuallytraversed multiple MSE capacitive buttons of a group of MSE capacitivebuttons that the swipe spanned (e.g. the first and second MSE capacitivebuttons, the first and the last MSE capacitive buttons, every other MSEcapacitive button, or all MSE capacitive buttons). Further, thetime-history of the “Z”s of the four MSE capacitive buttons can beexamined for an input object interaction with each MSE capacitive buttonin turn. Additionally, or in substitution, the capacitive button devicecan check to make sure that all of the MSE capacitive buttons swipedexhibited a swipe rate above some threshold (e.g. the lateral speed asthe input object traveled proximate to each MSE capacitive button isgreater than some threshold).

In some embodiments, a sampling rate of indicia from the at least threedistinct sensor electrodes is changed based at least in part on whetherthe change in capacitive coupling of the at least one of the at leastthree distinct sensor electrodes over a time period. An MSE capacitivebutton may operate at different rates of sampling measurement dependingon received indicia. For example, if electrode values derived fromindicia received are above a threshold for a time period, then the MSEcapacitive button will change its sampling rate of measurement to befaster. However, if electrode values derived from the indicia receivedare below a threshold for a time period, then the MSE capacitive buttonwill change its sampling rate of measurement to be slower. For example,the MSE capacitive button may switch to a slower, “doze” state. In thismanner, the capacitive button device may reduce power consumption andsave energy.

In many embodiments, this can be implemented as follows. The change incapacitive coupling of the at least three distinct sensor electrodescomprises a plurality of variations in capacitive coupling, each of theplurality of variations in capacitive coupling associated with one ofthe at least three distinct sensor electrodes. The rate of receivingindicia from the at least three distinct sensor electrodes is increasedresponsive to at least one of the plurality of variations in capacitivecoupling satisfying an activation threshold for a first time period.

In many embodiments, the variations in capacitive coupling may alsocause a decrease in the rate of receiving indicia from the at leastthree distinct sensor electrodes. For example, the rate of receivingindicia may be reduced be in response to at least one of the pluralityof variations in capacitive coupling satisfying a deactivation thresholdfor a second time period.

As another example, in a state machine embodiment, a device with acapacitive button arrangement may start out in a “doze” state. Inresponse to a sensor electrode reporting an indicia satisfying athreshold, the sensor electrode is considered activated, and the deviceenters a “wake” state. In the “wake” state, sensor electrode values arecollected and positional characteristics are calculated. Based on thepositional characteristics, the device can transition to a “sloppypress” state or “clean press” state. These state changes may be internalwith in a controller having one or more physically discrete components.

In some embodiments, the device enters a “clean press” state in responseto the following: a centered position (e.g. distance of position fromcenter is less than some threshold) for a duration of time; sufficientuser engagement (e.g. “Z” is greater than some threshold) for a durationof time.

In some embodiments, the device would also look for some combination ofthe following to enter the “clean press” state: sufficient userengagement with the sensor electrodes of an MSE capacitive button (e.g.S_(i) is greater than some threshold); a fast approach/press rate (e.g.dZ/dt is greater than some threshold); “vertical” approach (e.g.∥d{right arrow over (x)}+d{right arrow over (y)}∥dZ is less than somethreshold); low lateral speed (e.g. ∥d{right arrow over (x)}+d{rightarrow over (y)}∥ is less than some threshold); and small total distancetraveled

$\left( {e.g.{\int{{{\frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{x}}{\mathbb{d}t} + \frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{y}}{\mathbb{d}t}}}{\mathbb{d}t}\mspace{14mu}{is}\mspace{14mu}{less}\mspace{14mu}{than}\mspace{14mu}{some}\mspace{14mu}{threshold}\mspace{14mu}{for}\mspace{14mu}{some}\mspace{14mu}{time}\mspace{14mu}{period}\mspace{14mu}{before}\mspace{14mu} a\mspace{14mu}{lift}}}} \right).$

In some embodiments, the device enters a “sloppy press” state inresponse to a set of positional characteristics that meet some but notall of the criteria for transitioning to a “clean press” state. Forexample, the positional characteristics may show that the input objectis not engaging with all of the sensor electrodes as required, has aslower approach rate than required, has a slanted approach angle that isbeyond that which is required, has a higher lateral speed than required,has a larger total distance traveled than is required, a combination ofthe above, or the like.

Moreover, the device may transition to a “clean lift” state or “sloppylift” state from a “sloppy press” state or a “clean press” state. Forexample, the device may enter a “clean lift” state in response to thepositional characteristics showing the following: the positioncharacteristics show a centered position before lifting (e.g. r is lessthan some threshold); sufficient user disengagement with the entire MSEcapacitive button (e.g. “Z” is less than some threshold); and all of theabove being satisfied for a duration of time.

In some embodiments, the device also looks for some combination of thefollowing to enter a “clean lift” state: sufficient user disengagementwith the sensor electrodes of the MSE capacitive button (e.g. S_(i) isless than some threshold); recession or lifting, (e.g. dZ/dt of thecapacitive button is less than zero), and lifting at a sufficient speedshown by a large negative approach rate (e.g. dZ/dt of the capacitivebutton is less than some threshold); “vertical” recession (e.g. ∥d{rightarrow over (x)}+d{right arrow over (y)}∥dZ is less than some threshold);low lateral speed (e.g. ∥d{right arrow over (x)}+d{right arrow over(y)}∥ is less than some threshold); and small total distance traveled

$\left( {e.g.{\int{{{\frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{x}}{\mathbb{d}t} + \frac{\mathbb{d}\overset{\rightarrow}{y}}{\mathbb{d}t}}}{\mathbb{d}t}\mspace{14mu}{is}\mspace{14mu}{less}\mspace{14mu}{than}\mspace{14mu}{some}\mspace{14mu}{threshold}}}} \right).$

In some embodiments, the device enters a “sloppy lift” state in responseto the positional characteristics meeting part but not all of therequirements for entering a “clean lift” state. For example, thepositional characteristics may show that the input object is stillinteracting with one or more of the sensor electrodes in the MSEcapacitive button, a low lifting rate, a slanted recession, a higherlateral speed, a larger total distance traveled, a combination thereof,or the like.

From the “clean lift” state or the “sloppy lift” state, the device canreturn to a “doze” state some time after a sensor electrode associatedwith the MSE capacitive button has been activated. The device can definecertain state transitions to be capacitive button actuations, certainstate transitions not to be capacitive button actuations, and certainstate transitions to indicate non-button actuation input (e.g. swipes).In some embodiments, the type of actuation indicated or resultingresponse differs depending on the press and lift events that triggeredit. For example, different actuations may exist for “clean press”actuations, “sloppy press” actuations, “clean lift” actuations, “cleanpress followed by clean lift” actuations, and the like.

In one example, capacitive button actuation may be reported in responseto any or all of the following sequences. The capacitive buttonactuation may be determined in response to a sequence of statetransitions such as: “Doze, then Wake, then Clean Press, then CleanLift”; or “Doze, then Wake, then Clean Press, then Sloppy Lift”. In someembodiments, both sequences may result in button actuation on reachingthe “clean press” state.

In some examples, a sequence of state transitions such as “Doze, thenWake, then Sloppy Press, then Clean Lift” may also result in acapacitive button actuation. In some embodiments, however, since thepress is a “sloppy press”, the MSE capacitive button device may reportcapacitive button actuation on the “clean lift” from of the MSEcapacitive button instead of on the “sloppy press”.

In some embodiments, a sequence of state transitions such as “Doze, thenWake, then Sloppy Press, then Sloppy Lift” results in no buttonactuation. However, this sequence can be used to generate other types ofinput instead of capacitive button actuation (e.g. some inputstriggering such state transitions may be swipe inputs, and may be usedby devices supporting swipe interaction inputs).

In some embodiments with multiple capacitive buttons, the controlleridentifies which capacitive button(s) is(are) being interacted with.Where sensor electrodes are not shared among multiple MSE capacitivebuttons, this can be done by examining which sensor electrodes areproviding indicia indicative of user interaction. Where sensorelectrodes are shared, this can be done by examining which combinationsof sensor electrodes are providing indicia indicative of userinteraction, and which combinations of sensor electrodes are validcapacitive button combinations. That is, which combinations of sensorelectrodes are used in the capacitive buttons of the arrangement. Thus,the capacitive button device may identify which capacitive button toevaluate for button actuation from a plurality of capacitive buttons,especially where the plurality of capacitive buttons share at least onesensor electrode.

Referring now to FIG. 7, two sets of MSE capacitive buttons, m and n areshown. Each set of MSE capacitive buttons shares different groups ofsensor electrodes (m sharing sensor electrodes A-D and n sharing sensorelectrodes E-H). Embodiments of the present technology enabledistinguishing signals of a particular sensor electrode element of adistinct set of at least three electrode elements from other sensorelectrode elements.

For example, in some embodiments, the capacitive button arrangementdevice receives indicia from all of the sensor electrodes A-H, a groupof MSE capacitive buttons arranged as in FIG. 7. Embodiments of thepresent technology determine which capacitive button(s) are experiencinguser input based on which combinations of sensor electrodes areproviding indicia indicative of input. The capacitive button arrangementdoes not receive very few if any signals from the set of sensorelectrode elements E-H. The capacitive button arrangement then ignoresany signals that come from the sensor electrode elements E-H that do notindicate that an MSE capacitive button is being actuated. Only sensorelectrodes A-B-C that experience interaction may indicate that button700 of group m is being interacted with, for example. However, onlysensor electrodes A-B-E exhibiting interaction may indicate that nobutton in the arrangement is experiencing sufficient interaction forbutton actuation.

It is understood that embodiments can apply different sets of criteria.The different sets of criteria can include different combinations of theconditions described above, and other conditions as well, asappropriate.

For example, in some embodiments, a capacitive button device comprises aplurality of sensor electrodes, a first capacitive button, a secondcapacitive button, and a controller. The first capacitive buttoncomprises at least three sensor electrode elements associated with afirst subset of the plurality of sensor electrodes. The secondcapacitive button comprises at least three sensor electrode elementsassociated with a second subset of the plurality of sensor electrodes.The first subset and the second subset includes at least one sensorelectrode in common. The controller is coupled to the plurality ofsensor electrodes, and is configured to: receive indicia from theplurality of sensor electrodes; determine interaction of the inputobject with the first capacitive button based at least in part on theindicia; and determine actuation of the first capacitive button based atleast in part on satisfaction of a set of criteria.

The set of criteria comprises: a location condition, a couplingcondition, and duration condition. The location condition concerns alocation of the input object relative to a center of the firstcapacitive button, where the location of the input object is gauged atleast in part based on the indicia. The coupling condition concerns amagnitude of change in capacitive coupling of the first subset of theplurality of sensor electrodes, where the coupling condition comprisesthe magnitude of the change in capacitive coupling satisfying a firstthreshold magnitude. The duration condition concerns an amount of timethe input object interacts with the first capacitive button. Theduration condition comprises the amount of time being greater than afirst threshold duration. The location of the input object, themagnitude of the change in capacitive coupling, and the amount of timethe input objects interacts with the capacitive button are all gauged atleast in part based on the indicia.

In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to change a rateof receiving indicia from the plurality of sensor electrodes responsiveto satisfaction of a coupling condition for a time period.

In some embodiments, the location condition comprises the location ofthe input object being within a threshold distance of the center of thefirst capacitive button.

In some embodiments, the set of criteria comprises a maximum lateralmotion condition concerning a lateral motion of the input object. Thecondition is applicable to lateral motion occurring during a time when acoupling condition is satisfied.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example method 1000 for indicatingactuation of a capacitive button comprising at least three sensorelectrode elements. With reference now to 1005 of FIG. 10 and to FIG.2A, indicia from at least three distinct sensor electrodes, A, B, and C,associated with the at least three sensor electrode elements comprisingfirst capacitive button 205, are received. The indicia indicateinteraction of an input object with the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes elements, A₁, B₁, and C₁, of first capacitive button 205.

With reference to 1010 of FIG. 10 and to FIG. 2A, actuation of firstcapacitive button 205 is determined, based at least in part onsatisfaction of a set of criteria. The set of criteria comprises alocation condition concerning a location of the input object relative toa center of first capacitive button 205, wherein the location of theinput object is gauged at least in part based on the indicia. The set ofcriteria also comprises a coupling condition concerning a magnitude ofchange in capacitive coupling of the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, wherein the coupling condition comprises the magnitude ofthe change in capacitive coupling satisfying a first thresholdmagnitude, wherein the magnitude of the change in capacitive coupling ofthe at least three distinct sensor electrodes, A, B, and C, is gauged atleast in part based on the indicia.

Tuning at Least One Threshold Using Neural Network

In general, neural network methods can be used to determine capacitivebutton actuations based on indicia received from sensor electrodes ofMSE capacitive buttons. For example, indicia may be collected ormodeled, correlated with estimated capacitive button actuationprobabilities, and used to train a neural network. Once the neuralnetwork has reached a satisfactory level of accuracy, it can be used todetermine capacitive button actuation in systems supporting MSEcapacitive buttons within some amount of variation from theconfiguration used to tune the neural network.

Similarly, neural networks may also be used to classify and respond to aswipe or other non-button actuation triggering input. Depending on theresults, this neural network approach may result in tuning a neuralnetwork that classifies capacitive button actuation by effectivelywatching for positional characteristic responses, even though thepositional characteristics may not be explicitly calculated or compared.

More particularly, and referring to FIG. 1100 of FIG. 11, a flowchart ofan example method 1100 of tuning at least one threshold in a systemcomprising a capacitive button comprising at least three sensorelectrode elements associated with at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, is shown in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. Referring now to 1105 of FIG. 11 and to FIG. 2A, someembodiments receive indicia from at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, A, B, and C, associated with the at least three sensorelectrode elements, A₁, B₁, and C₁, comprising first capacitive button205, the indicia provided by one of an actual interaction and asimulated interaction of an input object with first capacitive button205.

For example, for a system having m MSE capacitive buttons, where each ofthe m MSE capacitive buttons (B_(j)) has n total observations oversensor electrodes and time, a linear equation describing therelationship between indicia and the estimated capacitive buttonactuation confidences or probabilities (as B_(j)) can be expressed as inEquation 9. The latter of the Equations 9 show that multiple, non-linearmodified electrode values may be used.

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{\left\lfloor {B_{1}{\ldots B}_{n}} \right\rfloor = {\left\lfloor {M_{1}\ldots\; M_{n}} \right\rfloor\begin{bmatrix}S_{11} & \ldots & S_{1m} \\\vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\S_{n\; 1} & \ldots & S_{mn}\end{bmatrix}}} \\{\left\lbrack {B_{1\mspace{14mu}}\ldots\mspace{20mu} B_{m}} \right\rbrack = {{\left\lbrack {M_{1}\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{20mu} M_{n}} \right\rbrack_{1}\begin{bmatrix}S_{11} & \ldots & S_{1j} \\\vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\S_{i\; 1} & \ldots & S_{ij}\end{bmatrix}} + \ldots +}} \\{\left\lbrack {M_{1}\mspace{14mu}\ldots\mspace{20mu} M_{n}} \right\rbrack_{N}\begin{bmatrix}S_{11}^{N} & \ldots & S_{1j}^{N} \\\vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\S_{i\; 1}^{N} & \ldots & S_{ij}^{N}\end{bmatrix}}\end{matrix} & \left( {{Eqs}.\mspace{14mu} 9} \right)\end{matrix}$The M vector can be determined using any type of error minimizingmethod. For example, least squares or minimum energy considerations canbe used to solve for M. With a known M vector, the button actuationresponses can be solved as a set of linear equations of the S valuesassociated with each MSE capacitive button.

Referring now to 1110 of FIG. 11 and to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, aresponse confidence for indicating an actuation of first capacitivebutton 205 is tuned, the tuning based at least in part on indicia. Theresponse confidence may be a binary result based on a threshold, or adiscrete or continuous response indicating the probability (confidencein) of intended capacitive button actuation. The confidence can be aboveor below a threshold to result in button actuation.

In some embodiments, the indicia are inputted into a neural network forclassifying indicia according to a level of accuracy. In someembodiments, indicia are classified using state variables. For example,depending on M, this state variable method may result in the equivalentof watching for select positional characteristic responses, even thoughthe positional characteristics may not be explicitly calculated orcompared. For example, a matrix that relates capacitive button actuationto sensor electrode indicia can be created that is related to thepositional characteristics described above. In such a case, even thoughthe positional characteristics may not be explicitly calculated, theyare inherently captured in the matrix and its inverse (for solving forcapacitive button actuation).

Determining Position of an Input Object Using Centroid Approach

More generally, when an input object comes into proximity with acapacitive button, the input object will interact with the sensorelectrode elements of the MSE capacitive button. However, the inputobject may not be centered over the MSE capacitive button. Manydifferent methods may be used to determine the position of the inputobject with respect to the capacitive button. Discussed below is acentroid approach to determine the position of an input object withrespect to the capacitive button. In many embodiments, the capacitivebutton device requires that the input object cause one or more indiciato be above a threshold for calculating position. Referring to 1200 ofFIG. 12, in embodiments in accordance with the present technology, thecapacitive button arrangement described herein is used to determine aposition of an input object using an MSE capacitive button comprising acenter position and comprising at least three sensor electrode elementsassociated with at least three distinct sensor electrodes, wherein eachsensor electrode of the at least three distinct sensor electrodes isassociated with at least one sensor electrode element of the at leastthree sensor electrode elements comprising the capacitive button.

Referring now to 1205 of FIG. 12 and to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments,the indicia are received from the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, A, B, and C. The indicia are indicative of interaction ofthe input object with first capacitive button 205. In Equation 10 below,S_(A), S_(B), and S_(C) are electrode values or modified electrodevalues derived from the indicia received from sensor electrodes A, B,and C, respectively, that are utilized to calculate position.

$\begin{matrix}{{Position} = \frac{\left( {{S_{A}{\overset{\rightarrow}{V}}_{A}} + {S_{B}{\overset{\rightharpoonup}{V}}_{B}} + {S_{C}{\overset{\rightharpoonup}{V}}_{C}}} \right)}{\left( {S_{A} + S_{B} + S_{C}} \right)}} & \left( {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 10} \right)\end{matrix}$Furthermore, in one example, the electrode values are effectivelyadjusted by weighting vectors. For example, the electrode value forsensor electrode A, that being S_(A), is multiplied by weighting vectorV_(A).

In some embodiments, indicia are received from a plurality of at leastfour sensor electrodes when the capacitive buttons in the embodimentsall have three or fewer sensor electrode elements. Which capacitivebutton is to be considered is then determined, based at least in part onthe indicia. Thus, the capacitive button device identifies whichcapacitive button(s) may be actuated from a plurality of capacitivebuttons. This is especially useful where the plurality of capacitivebuttons shares at least one sensor electrode.

Referring now to 1210 of FIG. 12 and to FIG. 2A, some embodimentsgenerates at least three electrode values from the indicia, eachelectrode value of the at least three electrode values is associatedwith a sensor electrode of the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, A, B, and C.

Referring now to 1215 of FIG. 12 and to FIG. 2A, some embodimentsgenerate modified electrode values by modifying the electrode valuesusing weights associated with the at least three sensor electrodeelements A₁, B₁, and C₁. A weight is based at least in part on alocation of an associated sensor electrode element relative to thecenter position. In some embodiments, the weights are based at least inpart on a location, relative to said center position, of an associatedsensor electrode element of said at least three sensor electrodeelements. In some embodiments, a weight of an associated sensorelectrode element is related to a location of a geometric center of theassociated sensor electrode element. Additionally, in some embodiments,the center position of an MSE capacitive button is a geometric center ofa shape outlined by the at least three distinct sensor electrodeelements A, B, and C.

For example, referring to 1220 of FIG. 12 and to FIG. 2A, a position ofthe input object is determined based at least in part on the modifiedelectrode values. For example, the position of the input object relativeto an MSE capacitive button can be estimated by multiplying theelectrode values obtained from the sensor electrodes of an MSEcapacitive button by their respective sensor electrode elements, summingthe thus-weighted vectors, and dividing by the sum of the receivedelectrode values. In some embodiments, determining a position of aninput object based at least in part on the modified electrode valuescomprises comparing a sum of modified electrode values to a sum of theelectrode values.

Furthermore, in embodiments of the present technology, the centroidapproach may be implemented in a variety of ways, and any appropriatecoordinate system may be used. An example coordinate system includes aCartesian coordinate system (X and Y values) and a Polar coordinate (rand θ values) system.

Determining Position of an Input Object Using Peak Approach

More generally, in embodiments of the present technology, and referringto 1300 of FIG. 13, the capacitive button arrangement described hereinis used to determine a position of an input object using an MSEcapacitive button having a center position and comprising at least threesensor electrode elements associated with at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, wherein each sensor electrode of the at least three distinctsensor electrodes is associated with at least one sensor electrodeelement of the at least three sensor electrode elements comprising thecapacitive button. Indicia are received from at least three distinctsensor electrodes, a peak is determined based at least in part on theindicia, and a position of the input objects is determined based atleast in part on the peak. A position of an input object with respect tothe MSE capacitive button may be determined with a peak approach.Discussed below is a peak approach for determining the position of aninput object by locating angular and radial aspects of the position ofthe input object.

More particularly, in some embodiments utilizing peak detect approachesto locate an angular aspect of a position of an input object, theindicia from different sensor electrodes, A, B, and C, are compared todetermine which sensor electrode element, A₁, B₁, and C₁, hasexperienced the greatest change in capacitive coupling. The comparisoncan be direct (e.g. using the raw indicia) or indirect (e.g. usingderivatives of the indicia, such as electrode values or modifiedelectrode values). The input object is assumed to be over that sensorelectrode element that has experienced the greatest change in capacitivecoupling (e.g. in some embodiments, the input object is further assumedto be over the center of that sensor electrode element).

Referring to 1305 of FIG. 13 and to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments,indicia from at least three distinct sensor electrodes, A, B, and C isreceived. The indicia is indicative of interaction of the input objectwith first capacitive button 205.

In some embodiments, indicia are received from a plurality of at leastfour sensor electrodes when the capacitive buttons in the embodimentsall have three or fewer sensor electrode elements. Which capacitivebutton is to be considered is then determined, based at least in part onthe indicia. Thus, the capacitive button device identifies whichcapacitive button(s) may be actuated from a plurality of capacitivebuttons. This is especially useful where the plurality of capacitivebuttons shares at least one sensor electrode.

Referring now to 1310 of FIG. 13 and to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, atleast three electrode values are generated from the indicia. Eachelectrode value of the at least three electrode values are associatedwith a sensor electrode of the at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, A, B, and C.

Referring now to 1315 of FIG. 13 and to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, apeak is determined, based on the electrode values or modified electrodevalues. In some embodiments, it is determined which sensor electrode ofthe at least three distinct sensor electrodes, A, B, and C, has thelargest electrode value. In another peak detect approach to locate anangular aspect of a position of an input object, the electrode valuesmay be used to generate estimated electrode values by at least one ofextrapolation and interpolation. The estimated electrode values can thenbe used to determine position. Many different methods can be used tointerpolate or extrapolate.

For example, one way to calculate the angular aspect of a position isshown in Equation 11 below. In many embodiments, the offset isdetermined by examining the sensor electrode element associated with thepeak sensor electrode, and one or more sensor electrodes having adjacentsensor electrode elements.

$\begin{matrix}{{{Angular}\mspace{14mu}{Aspect}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{Position}} = {\frac{\left( {{\max\left\lfloor S_{A - C} \right\rfloor} - {\left( {{second}\mspace{14mu}{largest}} \right)\left\lfloor S_{A - C} \right\rfloor}} \right)}{\left( {\max\left\lbrack S_{A - C} \right\rbrack} \right)} + {offset}}} & \left( {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 11} \right) \\{{{Angular}\mspace{14mu}{Aspect}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{Position}} = \frac{\left( {{\max\left\lfloor S_{A - C} \right\rfloor} - {\left( {{second}\mspace{14mu}{largest}} \right)\left\lfloor S_{A - C} \right\rfloor}} \right)}{\left( {\max\left\lbrack S_{A - C} \right\rbrack} \right)}} & \left( {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 11} \right)\end{matrix}$

If indicated externally, the angular aspect of a position can beexpressed in polar coordinates (e.g. θ) or in any other appropriatecoordinate system.

In some embodiments, determining the peak based on the electrode valuescomprises generating estimated electrode values by at least one ofextrapolating and interpolating the electrode values.

Referring now to 1320 of FIG. 13 and to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, aposition of the input object is determined based at least in part on thepeak. In some embodiments, the location of the peak relative to thecapacitive button is determined. In some embodiments, determining theradial aspect of the position of the input object based at least in parton the peak comprises determining a span (e.g. maximum electrode value)of at least three electrode values. The position of the input objectrelative to the MSE capacitive button is then determined based at leastin part on the span of the at least three electrode values. In someembodiments, this can be implemented by the capacitive button devicedetermining a peak based on the electrode values, determining a troughbased on the electrode values, and comparing a difference between thepeak and the trough with a sum of the peak and the trough.

Additionally, in some embodiments, determining the position of the inputobject relative to the MSE capacitive button based at least in part onthe span of the at least three electrode values comprises comparing thedifference between a largest and a smallest indicia with a sum of agreatest and a smallest indicia.

For example, the radial aspect of a position can be determined as afunction of the values of the indicia, rather than merely which indicia(“indicia” is used here to mean a single indicium) is greatest. Forexample, the radial aspect of a position can be based on the differencebetween the maximum electrode value and the minimum electrode value(i.e. radial aspect of a position=function (max [S_(A-C)]−min[S_(A-C)]). One way to calculate the radial aspect of a position isshown in Equation 12 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Radial}\mspace{14mu}{Aspect}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{Position}} = \frac{\left( {{\max\left\lfloor S_{A - C} \right\rfloor} - {\min\left\lfloor S_{A - C} \right\rfloor}} \right)}{\left( {{\max\left\lbrack S_{A - C} \right\rbrack} + {\min\left\lbrack S_{A - C} \right\rbrack}} \right)}} & (12)\end{matrix}$The radial aspect of a position can be expressed in polar coordinates(e.g. r) or in any other appropriate coordinate system.

In some cases, especially where nonlinearities are predictable andsignificant, it may be desirable to apply a correction to theuncorrected positions. One method to accomplish this is discussed inrelation to Equation 13. The corrected position may also be some othermeasurement, indicia, or other values not directly related to theuncorrected positions. This is shown in Equation 13 below:Corrected Position=Function(Uncorrected Position, Optional OtherItems).  (Eq. 13)

In many cases where the MSE capacitive button is circular and the sensorelectrode elements are regular, the angular aspect of a position wouldlikely not need to be corrected. This means that correcting the radialaspect of a position only may be sufficient, as is shown in Equation 14below:Corrected Radial Aspect of Position=Function(Uncorrected Position)  (Eq.14)The correction may be implemented as a correction function, a look-uptable of offsets, multiplicative factors, or other adjustment factors,and the like.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit embodiments of the presented technology to theprecise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations arepossible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the presenttechnology and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize embodiments of the present technologyand various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope ofembodiments of the present technology be defined by the claims appendedhereto and their equivalents.

1. A method for indicating actuation of a capacitive button comprisingat least three sensor electrode elements, said method comprising:receiving indicia from at least three distinct sensor electrodes, eachsensor electrode of said at least three distinct sensor electrodesassociated with at least one sensor electrode element of said at leastthree sensor electrode elements comprising said capacitive button, saidindicia indicative of interaction of an input object with saidcapacitive button; and identifying said capacitive button from aplurality of capacitive buttons, said plurality of capacitive buttonssharing at least one sensor electrode of said at least three distinctsensor electrodes; determining actuation of said capacitive button basedat least in part on satisfaction of a set of criteria, said set ofcriteria comprising: a location condition concerning a location of saidinput object relative to a center of said capacitive button, whereinsaid location of said input object is gauged at least in part based onsaid indicia; and a coupling condition concerning a magnitude of changein capacitive coupling of said at least three distinct sensorelectrodes, wherein said coupling condition comprises said magnitude ofsaid change in capacitive coupling satisfying a first thresholdmagnitude, wherein said magnitude of said change in capacitive couplingof said at least three distinct sensor electrodes is gauged at least inpart based on said indicia.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein saidlocation condition comprises said location of said input object beingwithin a threshold distance of said center of said capacitive button. 3.The method of claim 1 further comprising: indicating actuation of saidcapacitive button at a time when said set of criteria is satisfied. 4.The method of claim 1 wherein said location of said input object is alocation of said input object at a time defined by when said set ofcriteria is no longer satisfied, wherein said time when said set ofcriteria is no longer satisfied occurs substantially immediately after atime when said set of criteria is satisfied, and wherein said locationcondition comprises said location being within a threshold distance ofsaid center of said capacitive button, the method further comprising:indicating actuation of said capacitive button no earlier than said timewhen said set of criteria is no longer satisfied.
 5. The method of claim1 wherein said magnitude of said change in capacitive coupling of saidat least three distinct sensor electrodes is gauged at least in partbased on said indicia by using said indicia to determine at least threedistinct electrode values, each distinct electrode value of said atleast three distinct electrode values associated with a different sensorelectrode of said at least three distinct sensor electrodes, and whereinsaid coupling condition comprises said magnitude of said change incapacitive coupling satisfying a first threshold magnitude by: requiringat least one of said distinct electrode values to be greater than saidfirst threshold magnitude.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein saidcoupling condition comprises said change in said capacitive couplingoccurring at least at a predetermined rate.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein said set of criteria further comprises: a duration conditionconcerning an amount of time said input object interacts with saidcapacitive button, wherein said duration condition comprises said amountof time being greater than a first threshold duration, and wherein saidamount of time said input object interacts with said capacitive buttonis gauged at least in part based on said indicia.
 8. The method of claim1 wherein said set of criteria further comprises: a speed conditionconcerning a lateral speed of said input object relative to saidcapacitive button, said speed condition comprising said lateral speed ofsaid input object being less than a threshold speed during a time whensaid coupling condition is satisfied, wherein said lateral speed of saidinput object is gauged at least in part based on said indicia.
 9. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said set of criteria further comprises: adistance condition concerning a total lateral distance traveled by saidinput object relative to said capacitive button during a time when saidcoupling condition is satisfied, wherein said distance conditioncomprises said total lateral distance being less than a thresholdlateral distance, and wherein said total lateral distance is gaugedbased at least in part on said indicia.
 10. The method of claim 1wherein said set of criteria further comprises: an approach conditionconcerning a direction of approach by said input object relative to saidcapacitive button during a time when said coupling condition issatisfied, wherein said approach condition comprises said direction ofapproach being substantially orthogonal to a surface associated withsaid capacitive button, and wherein said direction of approach is gaugedbased at least in part on said indicia.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein said magnitude of said change in capacitive coupling of said atleast three distinct sensor electrodes is gauged at least in part basedon said indicia by: using said indicia to determine at least threedistinct electrode values, each distinct electrode value of said atleast three distinct electrode values associated with a different sensorelectrode of said at least three distinct sensor electrodes, and using atotal of said distinct electrode values, and wherein said couplingcondition comprises said magnitude of said change in capacitive couplingsatisfying a first threshold magnitude by: requiring said total of saiddistinct electrode values to be greater than said first thresholdmagnitude.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said coupling conditionfurther comprises: said magnitude of said change in capacitive couplingbeing less than a second threshold magnitude, wherein said secondthreshold magnitude is greater than said first threshold magnitude. 13.The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving indicia from anunassociated sensor electrode, said unassociated sensor electrode notassociated with any sensor electrode elements of said capacitive button,wherein said magnitude of said change in capacitive coupling of said atleast three distinct sensor electrodes is gauged at least in part basedon said indicia by: using said indicia from said at least three distinctsensor electrodes to determine distinct electrode values for said atleast three distinct sensor electrodes, using said indicia from saidunassociated sensor electrode to determine an unassociated electrodevalue, and using a difference between total of said distinct electrodevalues and said unassociated electrode value.
 14. The method of claim 1further comprising: determining a swipe interaction with said capacitivebutton if a lateral speed of said input object relative to saidcapacitive button is in a first range of lateral speeds, wherein saidlateral speed of said input object is gauged at least in part based onsaid indicia.
 15. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determininga swipe interaction with said capacitive button if a total lateraldistance traveled by said input object relative to said capacitivebutton is greater than a threshold lateral distance, wherein said totallateral distance traveled by said input object is gauged at least inpart based on said indicia.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein saidchange in capacitive coupling of said at least three distinct sensorelectrodes comprises a plurality of variations in capacitive coupling,each of said plurality of variations in capacitive coupling associatedwith one of said at least three distinct sensor electrodes, the methodfurther comprising: increasing a rate of receiving indicia from said atleast three distinct sensor electrodes responsive to at least one ofsaid plurality of variations in capacitive coupling satisfying anactivation threshold for a first time period.
 17. The method of claim 16further comprising: decreasing said rate of receiving indicia from saidat least three distinct sensor electrodes responsive to at least one ofsaid plurality of variations in capacitive coupling satisfying adeactivation threshold for a second time period.
 18. A method for tuningat least one threshold in a system comprising a capacitive buttoncomprising at least three sensor electrode elements associated with atleast three distinct sensor electrodes, said method comprising:receiving indicia from said at least three distinct sensor electrodesassociated with said at least three sensor electrode elements comprisingsaid capacitive button, said indicia provided by one of an actualinteraction and a simulated interaction of an input object with saidcapacitive button; identifying said capacitive button from a pluralityof capacitive buttons, said plurality of capacitive buttons sharing atleast one sensor electrode of said at least three distinct sensorelectrodes; and tuning a response confidence for indicating an actuationof said capacitive button based at least in part on said indicia.
 19. Amethod for determining a position of an input object using a capacitivebutton comprising at least three sensor electrode elements associatedwith at least three distinct sensor electrodes, wherein each sensorelectrode of said at least three distinct sensor electrodes isassociated with at least one sensor electrode element of said at leastthree sensor electrode elements comprising said capacitive button, saidmethod comprising: receiving indicia from said at least three distinctsensor electrodes, said indicia indicative of interaction of said inputobject with said capacitive button; identifying said capacitive buttonfrom a plurality of capacitive buttons, said plurality of capacitivebuttons sharing at least one sensor electrode of said at least threedistinct sensor electrodes; generating at least three electrode valuesfrom said indicia, each electrode value of said at least three electrodevalues associated with a sensor electrode of said at least threedistinct sensor electrodes; generating modified electrode values bymodifying said electrode values using weights associated with said atleast three sensor electrode elements; and determining said position ofsaid input object based at least in part on said modified electrodevalues.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein each of said weights isbased at least in part on a location, relative to a center position, ofan associated sensor electrode element of said at least three sensorelectrode elements.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein said location ofsaid associated sensor electrode element is a geometric center of saidassociated sensor electrode element, and wherein a center position ofsaid capacitive button is a geometric center of a shape outlined by saidat least three sensor electrode elements.
 22. The method of claim 19wherein said determining said position of said input object based atleast in part on said modified electrode values comprises: comparing asum of said modified electrode values with a sum of said electrodevalues.
 23. A method for determining a position of an input object usinga capacitive button having a center position and comprising at leastthree sensor electrode elements associated with at least three distinctsensor electrodes, wherein each sensor electrode of said at least threedistinct sensor electrodes is associated with at least one sensorelectrode element of said at least three sensor electrode elementscomprising said capacitive button, said method comprising: receivingindicia from at least three distinct sensor electrodes, said indiciaindicative of interaction of said input object with said capacitivebutton; identifying said capacitive button from a plurality ofcapacitive buttons, said plurality of capacitive buttons sharing atleast one sensor electrode of said at least three distinct sensorelectrodes; generating at least three electrode values from saidindicia, each electrode value of said at least three electrode valuesassociated with a sensor electrode of said at least three distinctsensor electrodes; determining a peak based on said electrode values;and determining said position of said input object based at least inpart on said peak.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein said determiningsaid peak based on said electrode values comprises: determining whichsensor electrode of said at least three distinct sensor electrodes has alargest electrode value.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein saiddetermining said position of said input object based at least in part onsaid peak comprises: generating estimated electrode values by at leastone of extrapolating and interpolating said at least three electrodevalues.
 26. The method of claim 23 further comprising: determining atrough based on said electrode values comparing a difference betweensaid peak and said trough with a sum of said peak and said trough.
 27. Acapacitive button device comprising: a plurality of sensor electrodes; afirst capacitive button comprising at least three sensor electrodeelements associated with a first subset of said plurality of sensorelectrodes; a second capacitive button comprising at least three sensorelectrode elements associated with a second subset of said plurality ofsensor electrodes, wherein said first subset and said second subsetincludes at least one sensor electrode in common; and a controllercoupled to said plurality of sensor electrodes, said controllerconfigured to: receive indicia from said plurality of sensor electrodes,said indicia indicative of interaction of an input object with saidfirst capacitive button; determine interaction of said input object withsaid first capacitive button based at least in part on said indicia; anddetermine actuation of said first capacitive button based at least inpart on satisfaction of a set of criteria, said set of criteriacomprising: a location condition concerning a location of said inputobject relative to a center of said first capacitive button, whereinsaid location of said input object is gauged at least in part based onsaid indicia; a coupling condition concerning a magnitude of change incapacitive coupling of said first subset of said plurality of sensorelectrodes, wherein said coupling condition comprises said magnitude ofsaid change in capacitive coupling satisfying a first thresholdmagnitude, wherein said magnitude of said change in capacitive couplingof said first subset of said plurality of sensor electrodes is gauged atleast in part based on said indicia; and a duration condition concerningan amount of time said input object interacts with said first capacitivebutton, wherein said duration condition comprises said amount of timebeing greater than a first threshold duration, and wherein said amountof time said input object interacts with said first capacitive button isgauged at least in part based on said indicia.
 28. The device of claim27 wherein said controller is further configured to change a rate ofreceiving indicia from said plurality of sensor electrodes responsive tosatisfaction of said coupling condition for a time period.
 29. Thedevice of claim 27 wherein said location condition comprises saidlocation of said input object being within a threshold distance of saidcenter of said first capacitive button.
 30. The device of claim 27wherein said set of criteria further comprises: a maximum lateral motioncondition concerning a lateral motion of said input object during a timewhen said coupling condition is satisfied, wherein said lateral motionof said input object is gauged at least in part based on said indicia.